Methods, systems, and computer program products for caching and re-using bearer channels for voice-over-packet (VoP) sessions involving wireless entities

A system for caching and re-using bearer channels for voice over packet sessions involving wireless entities, the system comprising:

• (a) a protocol handler for receiving a setup request for voice over packet a first session involving a wireless entity, and, in response, for establishing a bearer channel between an interface of a first node and an interface of a second node using bearer channel setup signaling;
• and
• (b) a connection resource manager for detecting release of the first session, and, in response to the release, for caching the bearer channel for a predetermined time period, wherein the protocol handler is adapted to receive a second setup request for a second voice over packet session involving the first and second nodes and a wireless entity, and, in response, the resource manager is adapted to re-use the previously-established bearer channel for the second session.

A system for caching and re-using bearer channels for voice over packet sessions involving wireless entities, the system comprising:

• (a) a connection resource manager for maintaining a cache of previously-established bearer channels involving wireless entities for which voice over packet sessions have been released;
• and
• (b) a protocol handler for receiving a setup request for a new voice over packet session and for communicating with the connection resource manager as to whether a previously-established bearer channel can be used for the new session, wherein the connection resource manager is adapted to determine whether the new session utilizes endpoints corresponding to one of the previously-established bearer channels, and, in response to determining that the new session uses endpoints corresponding to one of the previously-established bearer channels, the connection resource manager is adapted to assign the new session to the matching bearer channel.