Abstract: Wireless communication systems that are capable of detecting a failure and thereby mitigating or substantially eliminating undesirable consequences associated with such failure are disclosed.

Abstract: A wireless communication network uses multiple timers to selectively free communication resources dedicated to supporting a packet data connection with a wireless access terminal. If the connection remains inactive for longer than a first time-out period, the network releases a portion of the RF resources dedicated to the connection, thereby making these resources available for supporting other connections. If the connection remains inactive for longer than a second time-out period, the network releases the remaining RF resources, as well as releasing other communication resources in the network dedicated to supporting the connection. By avoiding call tear down until expiration of the second time-out period, the network maximizes availability of its RF resources, without significantly increasing call signaling overhead as would happen with repeated premature tear down of the connection.