Application-specific subnet for enhanced call processing

A communication system comprising:

• a first central office switching system;
• a call processing node, said first call processing node comprising first processor and first memory device coupled to the first processor, the first memory device configured to store first set of instructions to direct the first processor to act in accordance with the first set of instructions;
• and
• a communication device to establish a communication path between the first call processing node and the first central office switching system, wherein when the first central office switching system receives a call from a calling party, upon determining the need for enhanced call processing, selects one of a plurality of available call processing nodes, said selection being determined by the type of the call, transfers the call, and caller information to the selected call processing node, whereupon the first set of instructions direct the first call processing node to determine routing information and complete the call.