Another set of embodiments may include a cellular base station, comprising: an antenna; a radio operably coupled to the antenna; and a processor operably coupled to the radio; wherein the cellular base station is configured to: perform a listen-before-talk (LBT) procedure on an unlicensed frequency channel; transmit a reservation signal on the unlicensed frequency channel after successfully performing the LBT procedure; perform carrier sensing on the unlicensed frequency channel at least once during a duration of the reservation signal; and perform cellular communication on the unlicensed frequency channel after the duration of the reservation signal.

According to some embodiments, the reservation signal is transmitted in a discontinuous manner including alternating on-duration portions and off-duration portions, wherein the carrier sensing is performed during the off-duration portions of the reservation signal.

According to some embodiments, the on-duration portions each have a duration of at least one Wi-Fi slot, wherein the off-duration portions each have a duration of at most one Wi-Fi slot.

According to some embodiments, the cellular base station is further configured to: detect energy above an energy threshold on the unlicensed frequency channel based at least in part on the carrier sensing performed during the duration of the reservation signal; and delay performing the cellular communication based at least in part on detecting energy above the energy threshold on the unlicensed frequency channel.

According to some embodiments, the cellular base station is further configured to: extend the duration of the reservation signal based at least in part on detecting energy above the energy threshold on the unlicensed frequency channel.