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.