A system and method for detecting channels in a network using messages
passing through the network is provided. An embodiment comprises
detecting AAL2 channels communicating between a Node B and an radio
network controller and also between two radio network controllers. In the
case of communication between a NodeB and a radio network controller, the
AAL2 channels are detected by matching pairs of Random Access Channel
(RACH) and Forward Access Channel (FACH) associated with a user equipment
identity along with a Dedicated Channel (DCH) until the AAL2 channels
present between the Node B and the RNC are determined to a desired level
of confidence. In the case of communication between two radio network
controllers, only the DCH channels need to be detected to completely
detect the AAL2 channels.