Methods and apparatus for determining one or more access points in a communication system

A method for determining a number of users for an access point, comprising:

• (a) determining inventory information for a location having a known number of users;
• (b) setting a number of users for a single user type associated with said access point to zero;
• (c) clearing a flag;
• (d) increasing said number of users of said single user type associated with said access point;
• (e) calculating at least one traffic parameter for said access point based on said number of users of said single user type associated with said access point;
• (f) determining a number of channels needed for said access point based, at least in part, on said number of users of said single user type and said traffic parameters;
• (g) if said number of channels determined in (f) exceeds said access point's channel capacity;
• then setting said flag, decreasing said number of users of said single user type associated with said access point and returning to (e);
• and
• (h) if said number of channels determined in (f) does not exceed said access point's channel capacity and said flag has not been set, returning to (d).

A computer program product in a computer readable medium for determining a number of users for an access point, comprising:

• first instructions for implementing an interface, said interface being adapted to receive data indicative of inventory information for a location;
• second instructions for determining a number of users of a single user type for an access point for said location to an initial value, wherein said initial value does not exceed the maximum number of users supportable by the access point;
• third instructions for identifying a number of channels required for said access point based on said number of users and said inventory information;
• fourth instructions for adjusting said number of users of said single user type until such time as a highest number of users is established for said access point while said access point's channel capacity is not exceeded;
• and
• wherein said interface is adapted to provide data indicative of said highest number of users for said access point.

A computer program product in a computer readable medium for determining a number of users for an access point, comprising:

• first instructions for obtaining data indicative of inventory information for a location;
• second instructions for setting a number of users of a single user type for an access point for said location to an initial value, wherein said initial value does not exceed the maximum number of users supportable by the access point;
• third instructions for identifying a number of channels required for said access point based on said number of users and said inventory information;
• fourth instructions for adjusting said number of users of said single user type until such time as a highest number of users is established for said access point while said access point's channel capacity is not exceeded;
• and
• fifth instructions for providing data indicative of said highest number of users for said access point.

A system for determining a number of users for an access point, comprising:

• a memory;
• a communication port;
• a processor in communication with said memory and said communication port, said processor being operative to:
• receive data indicative of inventory information for a location;
• establish a number of users of a single user type for an access point for said location to an initial value, wherein said initial value does not exceed the maximum number of users supportable by the access point;
• determine a number of channels required for said access point based on said number of users and said inventory information;
• change said number of users of said single user type until such time as a highest number of users is established for said access point while said access point's channel capacity is not exceeded;
• and
• provide data indicative of said highest number of users for said access point.