Audio conferencing utilizing packets with unencrypted power level information

A method comprising:

• receiving a plurality of packet streams input from a corresponding plurality of endpoints, packets of each stream including header and payload portions, the header portion containing audio power level information that includes timebase information and a moving average of normalized power levels for each of a respective plurality of frequencies;
• comparing the audio power level information contained in the packets of each of the packet streams at a particular point in time to select N, where N is an integer greater than or equal to one, packet streams with loudest audio;
• decoding the N packet streams to obtain audio content contained in the payload portion of each of the N packet streams;
• and
• mixing the audio content of the N packet streams to produce N+1 output packet streams.

Logic encoded in one or more tangible media for execution and when executed operable to:

• receive a plurality of packet streams input from different endpoints, packets of each stream including encrypted and unencrypted portions, the unencrypted portion containing audio power level information;
• compare the audio power level information contained in the packets of each of the packet streams at a particular point in time to select N, where N is an integer greater than or equal to one, packet streams with loudest audio;
• decrypt the N packet streams to obtain audio content contained in the encrypted portion of each of the N packet streams;
• and
• mix the audio content of the N packet streams to produce one or more output packet streams.

A system comprising:

• a conferencing server;
• and
• a mixer coupled to receive control information from the conferencing server, the mixer being operable to:
• examine an unencrypted portion of each of a plurality of packets associated with streams input from corresponding endpoints, the unencrypted portion containing audio power level information at one or more frequencies associated with human speech;
• select, based on the audio power level information, N packet streams having highest power levels, where N is an integer greater than or equal to one;
• mix audio content from the N packet streams to produce a plurality of output packet streams;
• and
• send the output packet streams to the endpoints.