Abstract: Handoff of a media gateway (MG) from a primary media gateway controller (MGC) to a secondary MGC includes the primary MGC identifying a secondary MGC for performing MG handoff; and the primary MGC identifying a group of MGs, including at least one MG, to be handed off to the secondary MGC. If the group of MGs includes more than one MG, the following sequence is repeated—the primary MGC selecting a MG in the group; the primary MGC sending a handoff request to the MG, including identification of the secondary MGC; and the primary MGC standing by for a predetermined duration depending upon configuration of the MG.