Several testing methods and apparatus for wireless communications, such as
a cellular telephone communications, are described. One method for use in troubleshooting
a problematic call in a wireless communication system by a computer test station
includes the steps of receiving a telephone call from a wireless telephone unit
while the wireless telephone unit is simultaneously connected in a call; receiving,
during the telephone call, first information which identifies the wireless telephone
unit and second information which identifies a wireless switch utilized in the
call; sending, during the telephone call, a trace command having the caller ID
information to an address associated with the wireless switch; and receiving, in
response to sending the trace command, call trace information including information
that identifies a plurality of devices of the wireless switch utilized in the call.
In response, the computer test station delivers a message that includes this device
information to, for example, the wireless telephone unit or a system maintenance
computer for appropriate handling.