Disclosed is a system and method for optimizing capacity in a multi-user time division duplex ("TDD") communication system such as a broadband wireless radio frequency communication system. More specifically the invention minimizes guard time in duplexed signals to thereby allow for higher data throughput which results in an increase in system communication capacity. Depending upon instantaneous traffic load associated with the subscribers using a particular TDD carrier, guard times may be adjusted to provide a desired level of throughput. As traffic loads demand, the order of assignment of burst periods in either or both the transmit and receive frames of a TDD carrier with respect to the subscriber systems operable thereon are adjusted to accommodate desired guard times.