Fast connect option for enforcing symmetric codec capabilities

Abstract

The object of the invention is a communications system that increases successful call setups, improves resource utilization, and reduces overhead. The communications system of the present invention includes a calling endpoint coupled to a called endpoint through a packet switched network. A flag is encoded in a fast call setup message sent from the calling endpoint to the called endpoint. The flag allows the calling endpoint to present the called endpoint with a plurality of different codec options for the send and receive directions. The called endpoint can then choose which one of the codec options is best suited for the proposed call. If the calling endpoint does not support asymmetric channel capabilities, the flag indicates to the called endpoint that the calling endpoint wishes it choose the same or symmetric capability from the plurality of codec options presented for both the send and receive directions. Conversely, if the calling endpoint supports asymmetric channel capabilities, the flag indicates to the called endpoint that it is unrestricted in its choice of which codecs to select for encoding and decoding data. By establishing the call in this manner, a calling endpoint that does not support asymmetric codec capabilities is not faced with call rejection from a called endpoint that has selected different or asymmetric codecs for the send and receive directions. Thus, more calls are successfully set up avoiding the necessity of defaulting to less efficient call procedures.