Patent ID: 8125888

Claim:
A method for selecting an operating mode of a first server in a communication network, the method comprising: sending a session initiation protocol (SIP) polling message from the first server to a second server using a first communication link, the first server is coupled to at least one endpoint configured as an analog telephone device; and monitoring for a reply message from the second server, the reply message based on the polling message and upon receiving the reply message selecting a first mode of operation for the first server, wherein when in the first mode of operation, the second server is configured to register the at least one endpoint and configured to enable the at least one endpoint to communicate using the first communication link; and upon absence of the reply message, selecting a second mode of operation for the first server, wherein when in the second mode of operation, the first server is configured to register the at least one endpoint and configured to enable the at least one endpoint to communicate using a second communication link of the communication network, the second communication link separate from the first communication link and including a public switched telephone network (PSTN).