The present invention includes a method, system, and apparatus for providing communication control. The invention includes a method in which signaling is processed externally to a switch before it is applied by the network elements (131-136). The processor (120) is able to select network characteristics and signal the network elements (131-136) based on the selections. A network (110) employing the processing method is also included, as well as a signaling system that employs the processing method.