Systems and methods for connecting network devices over communication network

Abstract

Systems and methods for connecting a first network device and a second network device over a communication network are disclosed. An exemplary method includes receiving, from the first network device, a request to look up a network address of the second network and evaluating the request to determine whether an identifier associated with the second network device is registered with a name service that facilitates resolving the identifier and further facilitates establishing direct encrypted communication links. It is determined whether the second network device is available to communicate through a direct encrypted communication link facilitated by the name service, the establishment of the direct encrypted communication link between the first network device and the second network device is facilitated. This includes provisioning the first network device or the second network device with one or more resources for the direct encrypted communication link. The established direct encrypted communication link carries encrypted data communicated between the first network device and the second network device, and the first network device is a user device.