A method for characterizing a communication channel is disclosed. A detection window is moved through a channel profile to accumulate tap energies in the channel profile within the detection window into an accumulated energy curve. A peak at a maximum in the accumulated energy curve is determined. A band relative to the accumulated energy curve is defined. A first arriving path (FAP) is determined using a trailing edge found near a second end of a zone in the accumulated energy curve. A leading edge is found near a first end of the zone of the accumulated energy curve. The last arriving path (LAP) is determined using the leading edge. The band defines a zone of the accumulated energy curve at or near the maximum that is within the band.