Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhanced speech recognition in a communication network in which a first input port is coupled to a first processor and receives a telephony signal from the communication network. A second input port, coupled to a second processor, receives the same telephony signal at substantially the same time as the first input port. Based on the telephony signal, the second processor generates recognized speech information. A control line coupled between the first and second processors lets the second processor send a command to the first processor, and the first processor changes state, such as by re-routing the telephony signal, based on the command. The second processor may also enter one of a plurality of states such that the state of the second processor corresponds to the state of the first processor at a given point during a telephone call. Instead of receiving the telephony signal, the second processor may receive speech data generated by the first processor.