An apparatus for reducing session setup latency includes a processing element. The processing element is configured to determine a status with respect to a response message made in response to an invite message associated with a communication session, determine a status with respect to media packets being communicated between nodes of a network, make a determination with respect to an acknowledgment message based at least in part on the status determination with respect to the response message and the status determination with respect to media packets, and control setup of a communication session based on the determination with respect to the acknowledgement message.