Abstract: A communication system provides for establishing a communication environment where multiple media applications can share the same communication channel in a communication session. When establishing a communication session, an application or media application can create a token that can include information regarding resources assigned to or to be used with the communication session. The token may then be used and interpreted by other applications. When communicating during a communication session, the applications and/or components negotiate for access to ports or communication channels assigned to the communication session. Thus, two or more applications may use the same port(s) during the session by obtaining the token and accessing the resources assigned to the token. In this way, fewer ports or channels are used by the multiple applications by sharing resources.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product for providing communications including an extended protocol header is presented. A message is provided in a communication protocol, the message having a header. An extension is included in the header, the extension including additional information. The message is transmitted to a recipient, wherein the recipient is capable of utilizing the additional information contained in the extension to the header to provide additional functionality.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product for providing communications including an extended protocol header is presented. A message is provided in a communication protocol, the message having a header. An extension is included in the header, the extension including additional information. The message is transmitted to a recipient, wherein the recipient is capable of utilizing the additional information contained in the extension to the header to provide additional functionality.