Patent ID: 7990889
Filing Date: 2011-08-02
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A virtual collaboration system, comprising: a distributor communicatively coupled to a first network and a second network having different network characteristics from the first network, the distributor configured to receive first media streams from at least one first network node on the first network, and to transmit the first media streams to at least one second network node on the second network; and a management subsystem programmed to receive a request from a participant device in a virtual collaborative event to change a mode of participation of that participant device in the virtual collaborative event and to then dynamically configure a topology of the virtual collaborative event in accordance with said request, wherein configuration of the topology includes a determination of media stream connections among the distributor and the at least one first network node based, at least in part, on at least one policy, and wherein the media stream connections establish and maintain virtual relationships among the at least one first network node and the at least one second network node.