Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are described in which an unlicensed spectrum is used for Long Term Evolution (LTE) communications. A first method includes performing clear channel assessment (CCA) to determine availability of an unlicensed spectrum, transmitting a request-to-send (RTS) signal to a set of user equipments (UEs) using the unlicensed spectrum when a determination is made that the unlicensed spectrum is available, and receiving, in the unlicensed spectrum, a common clear-to-send (CTS) signal and an individual CTS signal from one or more of the UEs in response to the RTS signal. A second method includes transmitting an RTS signal in an unlicensed spectrum or a V-RTS signal in a licensed spectrum, addressed to a set of UEs, and transmitting a CTS-to-self signal in the unlicensed spectrum along with the transmission of the V-RTS signal.

Abstract: Techniques for accessing a wireless communication system are described. A user equipment (UE) sends a random access preamble for system access. The random access preamble may include a random identifier (ID), a channel quality indicator (CQI), etc. The UE may randomly select the random ID or may be assigned this random ID. The UE receives a random access response from a base station. The random access response may include control channel resources (e.g., CQI and PC resources), uplink resources, and/or control information (e.g., timing advance and PC correction) for the UE. The random access response may be sent in two parts using two messages. A first message may be sent on a control channel and may include identification information and possibly other information. A second message may be sent on a shared data channel and may include remaining information for the random access response.