Configuring a peer-to-peer (P2P) link in a multi-access wireless network includes receiving P2P configuration information from a base station at a UE supporting P2P communication. The first UE communicates directly with a second UE based on the P2P configuration information received from the base station. The first UE may send a configuration request message to the base station, and receive a responsive configuration message with the P2P configuration information from the base station, which messages may be Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages supporting P2P. In the alternative, the P2P configuration information may be provided in a system information block (SIB) broadcast by the base station. The P2P configuration information may indicate allocation of physical layer or Medium Access Control resources, or both allocated for P2P communication, and other information.