A method and system for protecting a LNA by acquiring a radio frequency control channel signal at a tower top low noise amplifier (TTLNA) system. In response to acquiring the radio frequency control channel signal, LNA mode information is determined from the acquired radio frequency control channel signal. Based at least in part on the determination, the TTLNA is configured to either receive mode when the LNA mode information indicates receive mode or transmit mode when the LNA mode information indicates transmits mode. In an exemplary embodiment, the TTLNA is configured to receive mode only after a determination is made that there is no transmit energy present on the feedline connecting the BTS and the antenna. In another exemplary embodiment, the TTLNA is initialized in transmit mode.