Efficient processing of connection control messages in managing virtual circuits using signaling protocols

To send a connection control message associated with a first set of attributes, only a difference of the first set of attributes from a second set of attributes associated with an already active virtual circuit (to a common destination) may be sent (contained in the connection control message). The devices receiving the message may create the necessary configuration for the new virtual circuit by modifying a copy of the configuration of the active virtual circuit. Processing requirements may be minimized as the devices may not need to parse and decode long list of information element. The feature may be particularly important in setting up a virtual circuit for voice calls, as a long list of attributes may be associated with each virtual circuit, but the difference of attributes being only minimal.