Method and apparatus for reverse link loading estimation

An apparatus for load estimation in a wireless communication system, comprising:

• means for performing closed loop power control on a reverse link signal received from a designated remote unit;
• means for entering a period of silence during which said designated remote unit continues to transmit;
• means for accumulating a first series of power control commands to produce a first transmit gain adjustment value;
• means for resuming normal operation in which active remote units resume transmission of reverse link signals;
• means for accumulating a second series of power control commands to produce a second transmit gain adjustment value;
• and
• means for determining a level of loading based upon said first and second transmit gain adjustment values.

A base station, comprising:

• a demodulator receiving a remote test unit signal and producing a demodulated signal;
• a signal quality determination block receiving said demodulated signal and producing an indication of quality thereof;
• and
• a digital signal processor receiving said indication of quality and determining a power control command for said remote test unit, wherein said digital signal processor accumulates a first series of power control commands corresponding to said remote test unit during a period of silence, accumulates a second series of said power control commands corresponding to said remote test unit during a period of normal operation and determines a level of loading based upon said first and second series of power control commands.