System and method for hybrid communication mechanism utilizing both communication server-based and direct endpoint-to-endpoint connections

摘要

A new approach is proposed that contemplates systems and methods to support a hybrid solution that utilizes a centralized communication server as the main mechanism for communication between two clients (endpoints), but augments the server-based communication with an optional direct connection between the two clients whenever available while hiding the complexities and time spent dealing with the direct connection from the clients. The switch of the communication mode between the clients is kept transparent to them during their communication session without causing any inconvenience and/or disruption of the communication. When a direct endpoint to endpoint connection is not available the approach preserves the advantages of connecting through the intermediate communication server.