Patent ID: 8351371

Claim:
A method, implemented by a Node-B, of minimizing utilization of an uplink (UL) enhanced uplink (EU) channel while maintaining proper EU scheduling operation, the method comprising: the Node-B receiving an enhanced dedicated channel (E-DCH) allocation request over the UL EU channel; in response to receiving the E-DCH allocation request, the Node-B making a determination that E-DCH allocation cannot be provided before a predetermined time period expires; in response to the determination, the Node-B sending an acknowledgement message indicating that the E-DCH allocation request has been received, and storing the E-DCH allocation request in an allocation request priority queue of the Node-B; activating a timer set to the predetermined time period; determining whether there are resources available to allocate the stored E-DCH allocation request; recording the time at which the E-DCH allocation request is received; and transmitting a notification of a resource allocation failure in response to an expiration of the timer.