Methods and apparatus for searching a list of pilot signals. A method is provided for searching a list of pilot signals in a communication network. The method includes defining a prio list that indicates an order in which the list of pilot signals will be searched, obtaining a search duration, and determining an indicator that identifies a portion of the prio list that can be searched within the search duration. The method also includes performing a search of the portion of the prio list, and updating the list of pilot signals based on the results of the search.