Network layer end-point transfer

A method for handing-off an end-point associated with a first device to a second device, the first and second devices being within a locally accessible network, the locally accessible network operating in an Internet protocol (IP) environment, the IP environment supporting multiple IP addresses for each device, the first device being in a currently established session with a third device within the IP environment via a router, the method comprising:

• transmitting an initialization message from the first device to the second device to condition the second device to receive end-point information associated with the end-point;
• transmitting an end-point message from the first device to the second device, the end-point message including the end-point information associated with the first device, the end-point information includes an IP address;
• configuring a further end-point by the second device using the transferred end-point information, the further end-point being compatible with the currently established session;
• and
• broadcasting an advertisement message to the locally accessible network including to the router to announce hand-off of the end-point,
• whereby IP packets from the third device to the first device are redirected by the router to the second device.

Apparatus for handing off an end-point associated with a first device to a second device, the first and second devices being within a locally accessible network, the locally accessible network operating in an Internet protocol (IP) environment, the IP environment supporting multiple IP addresses for each device, the first device being in a currently established session with a third device within the IP environment via a router, the apparatus comprising:

• means for locally transferring end-point information including an IP address associated with the end-point of the first device to the second device within the locally accessible network;
• means for configuring a further end-point by the second device using the transferred end-point information, the further end-point being compatible with the currently established session;
• and
• means for broadcasting, by the second device, an announcement to the locally accessible network, including the router, that the second device is associated with the further end-point,
• whereby the router receives the announcement and redirects IP packets from the third device previously associated with the end-point associated with the first device to the further end-point associated with second device.