Abstract: A framer comprises a channel state block configured to store channel state information (CSI) of a data stream. The CSI includes one or more format indicators and one or more sample size indicators. The framer also comprises a frame timer configured to provide frame state information and a frame builder communicatively coupled to the channel state block and the frame timer. The frame builder is configured to receive the one or more format indicators and the one or more sample size indicators. The frame builder is also configured to receive the frame state information and to receive at least some of data units of the data stream. The frame builder is also configured to build a self-describing superframe based on the one or more format indicators, the one or more sample size indicators, the frame state information, and the at least some of data units. A deframer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A communication system is provided, which comprises a data conversion module and a framer. The data conversion module is configured to receive a first plurality of data streams. The data conversion module is also configured to provide a second plurality of data streams. Each of the second plurality of data streams comprises first data units, channel identifiers, and format indicators. Each of the first data units is associated with one of the channel identifiers and one of the format indicators. The format indicators are based on variable bandwidths of data streams. The framer is configured to receive the second plurality of data streams. The framer is also configured to identify channel information of the second plurality of data streams. The framer is also configured to allocate the second plurality of data streams into one or more self-describing superframes.