A communication system enables a system controller to allocate to a first system endpoint (e.g., application processor) control over one or more components of a second system endpoint (e.g., terminal). In response to a valid control request signal received from the first endpoint identifying one or more components at the second endpoint over which control is requested, the controller sends an acknowledgment signal to the first endpoint indicating that control over the identified component(s) has been allocated to the first endpoint. In response to the acknowledgment signal, an endpoint interface enables the first endpoint to directly communicate with the second endpoint using a first endpoint originated control signal which simulates a controller originated control signal for controlling the identified components at the second endpoint. The controller then inhibits itself from controlling the identified component(s) at the second endpoint during the time when the first endpoint has been allocated to control over the identified component(s).