System and method for PN offset index planning in a digital CDMA cellular network

The present invention relates generally to cellular or mobile communications systems and more particularly to a method for optimally assigning pseudo-noise (PN) offsets to base stations in a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) cellular network based on the IS-95A standard to maximize co-offset and adjacent offset protection and to minimize interference in the network. A system optimally assigns pseudo-noise (PN) offsets in a cellular network that includes several sectors. The system sets parameters for the cellular network, determines potential interference between each of the sectors and mobile units in the cellular network based on the set parameters, and identifies constraints for each of the sectors based on the determined potential interference. The system then approximates a highest co-offset protection value for successful PN offset assignments based on the determined potential interference and the identified constraints, and selectively adjusts a sector co-offset protection value using the approximated highest co-offset protection value as a starting point to obtain optimum PN offset assignments.