The present application may describe a method for obtaining channel access in a network. The method includes selecting, via a gNodeB, a spatial filter to perform listen before talk (LBT). The method includes detecting, via the gNodeB, a channel in an idle state. The method includes obtaining a directional channel occupancy time (COT). The method also includes transmitting a channel access indicator transmission (CAI-T) on a beam. The method further includes receiving a channel access indicator response (CAI-R). The method further includes sensing the channel is clear (e.g., via short channel sensing and the spatial filter). The method includes sending, via the channel, information to the node using one or more spatial filters of the second set of spatial filters. Other embodiments may include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.