Load monitoring and management in a cdma wireless communication system

A system and method for monitoring and managing the loading conditions in a CDMA wireless communication system. The system comprises a load monitoring device such as a CDMA mobile station connected to a data logging and processing device such as a diagnostic monitor. The monitoring device is placed within the service area of a base station. The monitoring device periodically initiates a call, is assigned to a traffic channel normally, and logs a power control parameter such as mobile station transmit power or the number of closed-loop power control commands received per unit time. From this information, the load monitoring device can infer the real-time traffic loading conditions of the base station. If the loading of the system exceeds a predetermined threshold, an alarm may be sent to the system management center in order to take some action to limit additional loading on the base station.