Abstract: A method is provided in one example implementation and the method includes receiving a query for a policy (e.g., a multi-media session) that pertains to a selected one of first and second endpoints. Each endpoint interfaces with their respective session initiation protocol entity, which interacts with a session border controller (SBC). The method further includes negotiating credentials via a policy element and a selected SBC and determining, via a selected policy within the policy element, whether a requested communication session is prohibited or conducted between the endpoints. In more specific embodiments, each SBC makes a mapping between signaling entity information and pre-configured SBC virtual private network (VPN) information used for dynamic configuration of the communication session, and wherein a SIP [or other communication protocol] adjacency configuration is created, where adjacency characteristics are defined for each enterprise in which the endpoints reside.

Abstract: Approaches for provisioning phones in packet voice networks are disclosed. One approach includes determining that an Internet Protocol (IP) phone has registered in a network; receiving a unique identifier of the IP phone; receiving identifying information about a user to be associated with the IP phone; determining, based on the information provided, a user identifier; generating a configuration for the IP phone based on the user identifier that includes information such as phone number, feature sets, and other configuration parameters; and providing the configuration to the IP phone. Various approaches for determining a user identifier based on information provided by the user are disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example implementation and the method includes receiving a query for a policy (e.g., a multi-media session) that pertains to a selected one of first and second endpoints. Each endpoint interfaces with their respective session initiation protocol entity, which interacts with a session border controller (SBC). The method further includes negotiating credentials via a policy element and a selected SBC and determining, via a selected policy within the policy element, whether a requested communication session is prohibited or conducted between the endpoints. In more specific embodiments, each SBC makes a mapping between signaling entity information and pre-configured SBC virtual private network (VPN) information used for dynamic configuration of the communication session, and wherein a SIP [or other communication protocol] adjacency configuration is created, where adjacency characteristics are defined for each enterprise in which the endpoints reside.