Paging network optimization utilizing handoff statistics

A method of defining a location area within the service area of a wireless network utilizes paging traffic and handoff traffic statistics. Initially, a cell having the highest volume of paging traffic is identified and marked as belonging to a working location area. The cell having the highest volume of handoff traffic with the cell in the working location area is selected and a determination is made to determine if the combined paging traffic of the first and second cells exceeds the maximum paging capacity for a location area within the service area. If the maximum paging capacity has not been exceeded, then the second cell is added to the working location area. The process continues until all cells, except for the occasional dead cell, have been allocated to a location area.