Method and apparatus for implementing listen-before-talk

A method for implementing Listen-Before-Talk in a receiving device, the method comprising:

• determining whether a preamble from a transmitting device is detected on a first channel;
• if the preamble is detected, estimating a number of symbols for data transmission in the subframe in which the transmission of the preamble stops, based on the preamble;
• buffering a first data, which is transmitted in the symbols;
• and
• decoding at least the first data with reference to control information received in a succeeding subframe on the first channel or a second channel.

An apparatus for implementing Listen-Before-Talk in a transmitting device, the apparatus comprising:

• a detecting unit, configured for performing channel assessment in a first channel to detect if the first channel is available, wherein the channel assessment stops at a first symbol in a first subframe;
• a transmitting unit, configured for transmitting a preamble to a receiving device if the first channel is available;
• wherein if the channel assessment does not stop at a boundary of the first symbol, the preamble comprises at least a first part, and if the channel assessment stops at the boundary of the first symbol, the preamble comprises a second part;
• and wherein the first part is transmitted on a remaining portion of the first symbol until the end of the first symbol, and the second part is transmitted on at least one symbol following the first symbol;
• and
• a data transmitting unit, configured for transmitting data to the receiving device in at least one symbol in the subframe in which the preamble transmission ends.

An apparatus for implementing Listen-Before-Talk in a receiving device, the apparatus comprising:

• a determining unit, configured for determining whether a preamble from a transmitting device is detected on a first channel;
• an estimating unit, configured for estimating a number of symbols for data transmission in the subframe in which the transmission of the preamble stops based on the preamble, if the preamble is detected;
• a buffering unit, configured for buffering a first data, which is transmitted in the symbols;
• and
• a decoding unit, configured for decoding at least the first data with reference to control information received in a succeeding subframe on the first channel or a second channel.