An amplifier is provided for optimizing gain. The amplifier determines an optimal gain from inputs including the forward link and reverse link input power. The inputs are processed to determine an optimal gain of the amplifier. The optimal gain may be accessed from a lookup table that accounts for characteristics of the amplifier, the cell phone (or other device), and the base station (or base stations). The optimal gain is set to account at least for industry standards, amplifier oscillation issues, base station overload protection, and base station noise floor protection.