Patent ID: 7213145
Filing Date: 2007-05-01
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. In a call processing system, a method for providing secure communications between two or more end units of the system via a communication switch of the system, each of the end units being coupled between the communication switch and one or more terminals of the system, the method comprising the steps of: storing in a memory associated with the communication switch a plurality of sets of session key lists including a set of session key lists for each of the end units; selecting as an end unit to end unit session key a session key from a session key list in a given one of the sets of session key lists associated with an originating end unit, the selected end unit to end unit session key being utilizable in providing secure communications between the originating end unit and at least one other end unit via the communication switch; wherein the end units have respective pluralities of terminals associated therewith, a given one of the end units being configured to provide an interface between its associated terminals and the communication switch; wherein the given set of session key lists associated with the originating end unit comprises session key lists for respective terminals associated with that end unit; and wherein the given set of session key lists is generated in the originating end unit and transmitted from the originating end unit to the communication switch in conjunction with an authentication protocol carried out between the originating end unit and the communication switch.