Method and apparatus for processing calls on a multiprocessor communication system

A call made with a communication device is processed using multiple call processors (CPs) operatively connected to a network. CPs use processing load information from other CPs to select which CP will handle call set up when the call is requested. A similar selection process is used for selecting one of CPs to perform other call processing functions and to terminate the call upon receiving a request to terminate the call. The CP selected to set up a call, tear-down a call or perform other call processing depends on the load associated with the processor and the load associated with setting up, tearing down performing other call processing for the call.