Abstract: A method and apparatus for control channel transmission and reception is provided herein. In particular, the use of a partitioned and structured control channel is provided that leverages the benefits of common control while maintaining favorable aspects of dedicated control. During operation, control information is distributed over a number of partitions (201). Each Pi is encoded (607) with monotonically non-increasing reliability level. Control information for a given remote unit can be distributed on one or several partitions, from Pl to Pk, where Pk is encoded with the lowest reliability level that can be decodable by the remote unit at an acceptable error rate.

Abstract: To address the need for reducing pilot overhead, a method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving data is provided herein. A communication system having a transmitter (100) that utilizes adaptive modulation and coding (AMC) and utilizes lower-order modulated (e.g., QPSK) data as a substitute for pilot symbols during transmission. Data intended for a user utilizing a lower order modulation can be reliably detected, and if properly processed, used as pilots for a user that is trying to receive a higher order modulation (e.g., 64-QAM). Because lower order modulated data is utilized for pilots, fewer overall pilots are used. This greatly reduces pilot overhead, increasing data throughput.

Abstract: To address the need for reducing pilot overhead, a method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving data is provided herein. A communication system having a transmitter (100) that utilizes adaptive modulation and coding (AMC) and utilizes lower-order modulated (e.g., QPSK) data as a substitute for pilot symbols during transmission. Data intended for a user utilizing a lower order modulation can be reliably detected, and if properly processed, used as pilots for a user that is trying to receive a higher order modulation (e.g., 64-QAM). Because lower order modulated data is utilized for pilots, fewer overall pilots are used. This greatly reduces pilot overhead, increasing data throughput.