A study item, "Study on Licensed-Assisted Access Using LTE", was approved at 3GPP TSG RAN #65 [2]. This study is to evaluate LTE enhancements for a single global solution framework for licensed-assisted access (LAA) to unlicensed spectrum. Complementary access using the unlicensed band would be supported by licensed operation, the quality of which can never be matched by unlicensed operation. The objectives of the study include:

• the definition of an evaluation methodology,
• the possible scenarios for LTE deployments focusing on LTE carrier aggregation,
• the documentation of the relevant requirements and design targets for unlicensed spectrum deployment,
• the identification and evaluation of the physical layer options and enhancements to LTE to meet the requirements and targets for unlicensed spectrum deployments,
• the identification and evaluation of any enhancements needed to LTE RAN protocols and an assessment of the feasibility of base station and terminal operation in the 5 GHz band in conjunction with relevant licensed frequency bands.

The results and findings of the study are documented in this technical report.

The present document contains the results and findings from the study item, "Study on Licensed-Assisted Access Using LTE" [2]. The purpose of this TR is to document the identified LTE enhancements and corresponding evaluations for a single global solution framework for licensed-assisted access to unlicensed spectrum. Dual connectivity and standalone access to unlicensed spectrum are not part of the study. Therefore, for LAA operation, a carrier in an unlicensed band cannot be configured as a PCell/PSCell in this Rel-13 study. This document addresses evaluation methodology and possible scenarios for LTE deployments, focusing on LTE Carrier Aggregation configurations. This technical report documents the existing regulatory requirements for unlicensed spectrum deployment in the 5GHz bands. This document identifies and defines design targets for coexistence with other unlicensed spectrum deployments, including fairness with respect to Wi-Fi and other LAA services. This document identifies and captures coexistence evaluations of physical layer options and enhancements to LTE and, if necessary, LTE RAN protocols to meet the requirements and targets for unlicensed spectrum deployments. This document contains an assessment of the feasibility of base station and terminal operation of 5GHz band (based on regulatory limits) in conjunction with relevant licensed frequency bands. This document is a 'living' document, i.e. it is permanently updated and presented to TSG-RAN meetings.