Apparatus and method for optimal conference call renegotiation in telephony over LAN systems

A method for operating a telecommunications network, comprising:

• receiving a multi-point conference set up request at a multi-point control unit coordinator, said multi-point control unit coordinator being integrated with a multi-point control unit;
• identifying one or more multi-point controls units whose use will be optimal according to one or more criteria during said multi-point conference;
• and
• relaying said multi-point conference set up request to said one or more multi-point control units after said optimal determination is made;
• wherein said identifying and said relaying occur while said conference is ongoing to select a new optimal multi-point control unit.

A telecommunications device, comprising:

• means integrated with a multi-point control unit for identifying one or more multipoint controls units whose use will be optimal according to one or more criteria during a multi-point conference;
• and
• means for relaying said multi-point conference set up request to said one or more multi-point control units after said optimal determination is made;
• wherein said identifying and said relaying occur while said conference is ongoing to select a new optimal multi-point control unit.