Systems and methods are disclosed for extending digital signal processor (DSP) capability of existing media gateway devices. A system includes a media gateway device, which has a first plurality of voice server cards. Each voice server card comprises a first controller, a first communications interface, and at least one first DSP configured to implement at least one first coder/decoder (codec). The system further includes a communications switch and at least one external DSP server. The external DSP server comprises a second plurality of voice server cards, which each comprise a second controller, a second communications interface, and at least one second DSP configured to implement at least one second codec. The at least one external DSP server is in communication with the media gateway device via the communications switch.