System and method for maintaining a provisioned configuration for an endpoint in a communications network

A system and method for maintaining provisioned configuration for an endpoint in a packet switched communications network are disclosed, the communications network utilizing a signalling protocol between the endpoint and at least one gatekeeper. The gatekeeper receives a request from the endpoint, determines the addresses of an assigned gatekeeper and at least one alternate gatekeeper, and transmits the addresses to the endpoint within the signalling protocol. The endpoint sends a message to its assigned gatekeeper, and if the assigned gatekeeper is responsive, the endpoint receives an indication confirming that the Gatekeeper is available. If the assigned gatekeeper is unresponsive, the endpoint registers with an alternate gatekeeper, but periodically sends a polling status request to its assigned gatekeeper, so that when the assigned gatekeeper becomes responsive, the endpoint may then register with its assigned gatekeeper.