A method and apparatus are directed toward optimizing clear channel assessment (CCA) parameters in a wireless local area network having an access point (AP) and at least one station. An upper bound and a lower bound for an energy detect threshold (EDT) parameter are determined. A value of the EDT parameter is calculated and is bound by the upper bound and the lower bound. The EDT parameter is updated. The method can be performed at each station or at the AP, with the updated CCA parameters being signaled to each station associated with the AP.