Patent ID: 7907525
Filing Date: 2011-03-15
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method, performed by a network element, for communicating packet multimedia data between a first endpoint and a second endpoint, the method comprising: receiving an outbound multimedia signaling packet; determining if the outbound multimedia signaling packet originated from a first endpoint that is logically behind a security device; determining and storing information identifying a logical pinhole in the security device, wherein the logical pinhole is associated with expected inbound multimedia data packets directed to the first endpoint; determining that the first endpoint permits adding a software component that generates periodic messages for keeping the logical pinhole open; installing, with the network element, the software component on the first endpoint; activating the software component to generate periodic messages toward a signaling controller in order to keep the logical pinhole open; sending a command to the first endpoint to cause the software component to modify a frequency at which it generates periodic messages; and forwarding inbound multimedia signaling messages directed toward the first endpoint via the logical pinhole.