Communication system

Communication apparatus for a communication system, the communication apparatus comprising:

• a controller adapted:
• to operate a cell via which at least one communication device can communicate with the communication apparatus, wherein the cell is operated as a licensed assisted access, LAA, cell and has an associated physical uplink control channel, PUCCH, wherein the LAA cell is operated as LAA secondary cell, LAA SCell that is subjected to a listen-before-talk (LBT) requirement;
• and
• a transceiver adapted:
• to receive at least one uplink control signal from said communication device in said PUCCH, and
• to receive, from the at least one communication device, a number of uplink control signals blocked by the LBT.

A method performed by communication device of a communication system, the method comprising:

• communicating with a communication apparatus that operates a cell within which the communication device is located, wherein the cell is operated as a licensed assisted access, LAA, cell and has an associated physical uplink control channel, PUCCH, wherein the LAA cell is operated as LAA secondary cell, LAA SCell that is subjected to a listen-before-talk (LBT) requirement;
• generating at least one uplink control signal for transmitting to said communication apparatus;
• performing a clear channel assessment, CCA, in accordance with an associated LBT requirement, on said PUCCH before said at least one uplink control signal is transmitted;
• blocking transmission of said at least one uplink control signal on said PUCCH when said CCA indicates that a channel is not clear;
• and
• transmitting said at least one uplink control signal to said communication apparatus in said PUCCH when said transmission is not blocked, and
• transmitting, to the communication apparatus, a number of uplink control signals blocked by the LBT.

A method performed by communication apparatus of a communication system, the method comprising:

• operating a cell via which at least one communication device can communicate with the communication apparatus that operates, wherein the cell is operated as a licensed assisted access, LAA, cell and has an associated physical uplink control channel, PUCCH, wherein the LAA cell is operated as LAA secondary cell, LAA SCell that is subjected to a listen-before-talk (LBT) requirement;
• and
• receiving at least one uplink control signal from said communication device in said PUCCH, and
• receiving, from the at least one communication device, a number of uplink control signals blocked by the LBT.