Patent ID: 6674734
Filing Date: 2004-01-06
Classification: H04L,H04N,H04W

Abstract:
A method of allowing endpoints to move between different zones of a packet-switched network, comprising:establishing a communication between local and remote endpoints via a first gatekeeper, which services a first zone of the packet-switched network, when said local endpoint is at a location serviced by said first zone of the packet-switched network; maintaining communication between said local and remote endpoints via said first gatekeeper and a second gatekeeper, which services a second zone of the packet-switched network, when said local endpoint moves to a location serviced by said second zone of the packet-switched network; maintaining communication between said local and remote endpoints via said first gatekeeper and a third gatekeeper, which services a third zone of the packet-switched network, when said local endpoint moves to a location serviced by said third zone of the packet-switched network; handing-off communication control functions from said second gatekeeper to said third gatekeeper, when said local endpoint moves to said third zone of said packet-switched network serviced by said third gatekeeper; relaying, by said first gatekeeper, communications between said remote endpoint and said third gatekeeper; relaying, by said third gatekeeper, communications between said first gatekeeper and said local endpoint; and performing, by said third gatekeeper, communication control functions, previously performed by said second gatekeeper, on communications between said local and remote endpoints.