System and method for peer-to-peer hybrid communications

Abstract

An improved system and method are disclosed for peer-to-peer communications. In one example, the method enables two endpoints to directly establish and maintain a communication session after authenticating with an access server.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A computer-implemented method for establishing and maintaining a communication session between first and second endpoints in a peer-to-peer network using a non-proprietary protocol, the method comprising:
 retrieving a profile and a routing table from an access server by the first endpoint during an authentication process, wherein the profile identifies the second endpoint as an endpoint with which the first endpoint has permission to communicate, and the routing table contains address information needed for the first endpoint to communicate directly with the second endpoint; and   sending a notification message from the first endpoint directly to the second endpoint using the address information to inform the second endpoint that the first endpoint is online;   sending a request message from the first endpoint directly to the second endpoint using the address information to request the establishment of the communication session;   receiving a response message by the first endpoint directly from the second endpoint; and   establishing the communication session by the first endpoint directly with the second endpoint if the response message grants permission, wherein all signaling and media traffic messages are sent directly from the first endpoint to the second endpoint and from the second endpoint directly to the first endpoint.