Patent ID: 7496649
Filing Date: 2009-02-24
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: retrieving an intermediate node policy having one or more protocol requirements for messages being transmitted to or from the intermediate node, the intermediate node being between a source node and a destination node in a communication path; forming a first policy-compliant message in accordance with the intermediate node policy, the first policy-compliant message including a request for a destination node policy having one or more protocol requirements for messages being transmitted to or from the destination node; transmitting the first policy-compliant message to the intermediate node for receipt and validation of the first policy-compliant message by the intermediate node; receiving the destination node policy; forming a second policy-compliant message in accordance with both the intermediate node policy and the destination node policy; transmitting the second policy-compliant message to the destination node; determining whether the destination node policy specifies an additional intermediate node; if the destination node policy specifies an additional intermediate node, forming a third policy-compliant message in accordance with the intermediate node policy, the third policy-compliant message including a request for an additional intermediate node policy having one or more protocol requirements for messages being transmitted to or from the additional intermediate node, and if the destination node policy specifies more than one intermediate nodes, the destination node policy also specifies an order of the intermediate nodes in the communication path, the order of intermediate nodes being important for the order of retrieving and applying the policies of the intermediate nodes.