Synchronization channel (preamble) structure for mobile worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) systems

A packet data structure stored on a non-transitory computer-readable-storage medium for carrying a synchronization channel or preamble binary sequence to be detected by a mobile station, the packet data structure comprising:

• a synchronization channel or preamble structure comprising a base station group identifier field to store a base station group identifier comprising k bits, a base station identifier field to store a base station identifier comprising m bits, and a sector identifier field to store a sector identifier comprising n bits, the synchronization channel or preamble structure to allow the mobile station to detect a particular base station group identifier, a particular base station identifier, and a particular sector identifier from the binary sequence in a single step or scan and to allow the mobile station to track the rate of change for one or more of the base station group identifier, the base station identifier, and the sector identifier for error detection, the synchronization channel or preamble structure to be implemented by a synchronization channel comprising a supplemental synchronization channel offset within a frame from a primary synchronization channel by a fixed number of symbols controlled by a system parameter that defines a value specifying a position of the supplemental synchronization channel relative to the primary synchronization channel.