Patent ID: 7948921

Claim:
A method comprising: receiving a first data packet including an unenhanced payload from a first network device; modifying a portion of the first data packet, the portion being outside the unenhanced payload of the first data packet, to indicate that a first optimization device is capable of enhanced communication; sending the modified first data packet from the first optimization device to an endpoint device; receiving an indication of a capability of enhanced payload processing; generating an enhanced payload of a second data packet addressed to the endpoint device based on the indication; sending the second data packet including the enhanced payload to the endpoint device; sending a third data packet from the first optimization device to an endpoint device, the third data packet having a modified portion outside of a payload; receiving an acknowledgement of the third data packet that does not indicate a capability of enhanced payload processing; receiving a fourth data packet with an unenhanced payload; and sending the fourth data packet to the endpoint device.