An arrangement for providing, on an ad hoc basis, closed user group (CUG) among a collection of pre-defined IP network users. A set of intelligent access devices, dispersed through the IP network, constantly transmit a set of pings associated with the defined CUGs to discover those devices within its communication range. The discovered IP addresses for each device is thus constantly updated, allowing group members to remain in constant contact (emulating an "always on" connection). The users feel they are always connected with group members and thus have instant access to voice/data/video sessions--much like hot lines or "always on" connections.