Abstract: Dynamic assignment of channel elements for operating as failover Overhead Channel Group channel elements. Preferred methods include configuring channel elements on a primary channel card to serve as an overhead channel group for each carrier in each sector, and, in the event of a primary channel card failure, dynamically configuring failover channel elements on an additional channel card to serve as an overhead channel group. These failover channel elements are preferably not reserved, and are merely channel elements that are not otherwise presently assigned to process traffic. Preferred methods also provide criteria for selecting which CEs to re-assign to the OCG.

Abstract: Determining RF capacity of a wireless network and measuring BTS performance. Preferred methods include collecting forward link data at a BTS transmit port, where the data includes the power level associated with each Walsh code of each sector for each carrier over a predetermined time interval, and then processing the data by identifying each channel as using either second generation CDMA technology (a “2G” call) or third-generation technology (a “3G” call). Voice and data may also be identified. The power level may be determined by measuring a signal level (e.g., dB), and subsequently accounting for any RF losses through a calibration step, and finally converting the power-per-Walsh code to an absolute power level (e.g., dBm, or watts). The average user power per link (ppl) is then determined and the number of users per technology (2G versus 3G) is also determined.

Abstract: Managing channel element licenses for base transceiver stations. Preferred methods include license accounting at a BSC or MTS level, thereby providing better utilization of BTS channel element licenses in a wireless communication network. The BTS notifies a license manager whenever a channel element is put into use by transmitting a first channel element utilization message. If the number of available license has been not been exceeded, the license manager transmits a channel element utilization authorization message. If, on the other hand, the number of available license has been exceeded, the license manager transmits a channel element utilization denial message, instruction the BTS to terminate the call setup. Alternative embodiments include the BTS requesting a license using a first channel element utilization message and awaiting authorization prior to utilization of the channel element.