Abstract: A radio access network (RAN) accumulates page messages in a paging buffer for subsequent transmission into a wireless coverage area. A buffer monitor is configured to periodically monitor the occupancy of the paging buffer and to detect when there is a surge in the paging buffer occupancy (e.g., when the occupancy increases by at least a threshold amount during an evaluation time period). When the buffer monitor detects a surge in paging buffer occupancy, the RAN transmits a control message that changes one or more access parameters that mobile stations operating in the wireless coverage area use to determine when to transmit responses to page messages. Because of the changed access parameters, mobile stations that receive page messages in the same time period are less likely to transmit responses in the same access cycle channel, thereby reducing the possibility of access probe collisions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for transmitting communications using a radio frequency (RF) communication channel are provided. A network condition and/or a usage level of the RF communication channel are determined. A designated duration is selected based, at least in part, on the network condition and/or usage level. A time period for transmitting a communication in the RF channel is selected such that the time period has a duration corresponding to the designated duration. A transmission in the RF communication channel is initiated during the time period. The designated duration may be adjusted based on further observations of network conditions and/or usage levels.