Patent ID: 9712425
Date: 2017-07-18
CPC Classifications: H04L

Claim:
1. A method of managing a media path for a media session established between users across a plurality of interconnected Internet Protocol (IP) networks which utilize Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and Session Description Protocol (SDP) signaling, the method comprising: at session establishment via a signaling path over said IP networks, making a determination, at a signaling node, that a shortcut media path is available, wherein the shortcut media path deviates from said signaling path; making a further determination, by the signaling node, that each node in the signaling path will subsequently be able to maintain the shortcut media path in the event of a subsequent session update or re-invite; and at a subsequent session update or re-invite, the signaling node including within update or re-invite signaling an indication that the shortcut media path is to be maintained, wherein the step of making a further determination, by the signaling node, that nodes in the signaling path will subsequently be able to maintain the shortcut media in the event of a subsequent session update or re-invite further comprises at, each node in the signaling path, including in a session establishment signaling message an indication that the node supports maintenance of a shortcut media path.