PHY preamble format for wireless communication system

A receiver comprising:

• an antenna configured to receive a data packet from a transmitter,
• wherein the data packet includes a preamble and a payload,
• wherein the preamble includes (i) a synchronization sequence (SYNC), (ii) a start frame delimiter (SFD), (iii) a first cover code combined with a first spreading sequence, and (iv) a second cover code that is combined with a second spreading sequence different than the first spreading sequence,
• wherein each of the spreading sequences is a pseudo-random number sequence that is known to both the transmitter and the receiver, and
• wherein the spreading sequences have (i) a first order in which the first spreading sequence is in the SYNC and the second spreading sequence is in the SFD or (ii) a second order in which the second spreading sequence is in the SYNC and the first spreading sequence is in the SFD;
• a cross-correlator configured to cross correlate the preamble with the spreading sequence to generate a timing signal;
• a data extractor configured to extract payload data from the payload based on the timing signal;
• a cover code decoder configured to extract, from the cover codes, a network identification number;
• wherein the cross-correlator is further configured to extract, based on whether the spreading sequences are in the first order or the second order, a determination whether the payload is single carrier or multiple carrier.