Method and apparatus for measurement of processor-utilization

A method of managing a processing system that has at least one processor, uses the steps of: measuring MCPS (million cycles per second) utilization in said at least one processor; estimating a cycle count requirement for an algorithm on least one processor based on measured MCPS utilization; and, estimating an ability to run multiple applications on the at least one processor by assessing MCPS requirements and estimated cycle count requirement. Measurement of the MCPS utilization is preferably done by using the steps of: choosing a critical path in the processor, e.g., by taking hard real time requirements into consideration; measuring time taken for processing along said critical path; and, calculating MCPS requirements along said critical path using the measured time taken and a current processor clock speed. The inventive method has application in 802.11 MAC. Also described is an article having a storage medium to execute the described method.