MAINTAINING OPTIMAL MEDIA ROUTING

摘要

A method of managing a media path for a media session established between users across a plurality of interconnected Internet Protocol (IP) networks which utilize Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and Session Description Protocol (SDP) signaling. The method comprises, at session establishment via a signaling path over the IP networks, making a determination that a shortcut media path is available, wherein the shortcut media path deviates from the signaling path. The method further comprises making a further determination that nodes in the signaling path will subsequently be able to maintain the shortcut media path in the event of a subsequent session update or re-invite and, at a subsequent session update or re-invite, including within update or re-invite signaling an indication that the shortcut media path is to be maintained.