A communications system includes a packet-based data network coupled to various network elements, including a gateway that provides ports to various peripheral devices. One type of peripheral device includes a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device. A network element coupled to the data network may establish Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) sessions with the gateway. Once a SIP session is established, communications may occur between the network element and the peripheral device. SIP messaging is exchanged between the network element and the gateway. USB commands and data are exchanged between the gateway and the USB device. The gateway converts between the SIP messaging and the USB commands and data.