This work provides an in-depth analysis of the

Listen-Before-Talk (LBT) procedures that cellular technologies

must adhere to for operation in the unlicensed spectrum. In par-

ticular, we provide detailed insights into the 5G New Radio Un-

licensed (NR-U) standalone design according to the latest 3GPP

standard-compliant Type 1 Channel Access Procedure (CAP).

We highlight some of the challenges and propose improved

mechanisms for channel access. We carry out the performance