A method for connecting a call between virtual media gateways within a media gateway, the media gateway including switching facilities and at least two virtual media gateways, wherein each of the virtual media gateways has a corresponding media gateway controller, the method including the steps of receiving a call set-up request in an originating virtual media gateway from its corresponding media gateway controller, creating a shortcut token in the originating virtual media gateway to identify a shortcut in the media gateway, transporting the shortcut token and the call set-up request from the originating virtual media gateway to the terminating virtual media gateway, determining in the terminating virtual media gateway whether the shortcut can be supported, and where the shortcut can be supported by the media gateway, appending call identification information to the shortcut token, returning the shortcut token and the call set-up request to the originating virtual media gateway, and setting up the call using the shortcut.