Method for sharing service identity among multiple client devices in a real-time communications network

A method for sharing service identity between at least two client devices in a real-time communications network, the method comprising:

• registering a first client device with a server on the real-time communications network, the first client device registering with a shared service identity, wherein the first client device becomes an active client device;
• when at least one additional client device enters a physical proximity of the first client device,
• when at least one additional client device enters a physical proximity of the first client device;
• establishing a personal area network connection between the first client device and at least one additional client device;
• registering the at least one additional client device with the server, the at least one additional client device registering with the shared service identity, wherein the at least one additional client device becomes the active client device and the first client device becomes a waiting device, wherein the waiting device discontinues communication with the server;
• updating the at least one additional client device by the first client device with status information over a peer-to-peer protocol, such that incoming session barring and session integrity is maintained;
• on a state change, updating the first client device by the at least one additional client device with the status information;
• and
• when the first client device leaves the physical proximity of the at least one additional client device as detected by the personal area network connection, re-registering the first client device with the server on the real-time communications network, the first client device registering with the shared service identity, wherein the first client device becomes the active client device and the at least one additional client device becomes the waiting device.

A system suitable for utilizing at least two client devices with a shared service identity over a real-time communications network, the system comprising:

• a first client device, the first client device including the shared service identity, the first client device configured for communicating with the real-time communications network, wherein the first client device is capable of registering with the real-time communications network;
• a second client device, the second client device including the shared service identity, the second client device configured for communicating with the real-time communications network, wherein the second client device is capable of registering with the real-time communications network, the second client device configured to update the first client device such that a session integrity is maintained, wherein the first client device and the second client device are configured to provide a personal area network connection for detecting a physical presence of the at least two client devices and for enabling a peer-to-peer protocol for interdevice communications;
• and
• a server configured to accept a non-simultaneous registration from either the first client device or the second client device over the real-time communications network, wherein the first client device and the second client device are further configured to transfer a session control between one another without a server intervention when the second client device and the first client device are within a physical proximity of one another, and wherein the server is further configured to allow the first client device and the second client device to join and leave the session.