Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to identification and handling of data streams using coded preambles. An embodiment of an apparatus includes an interface with a communication channel, transmitter coupled with the interface to transmit one or more data streams via the interface, and a processing element, the processing element to receive one or more data streams for transmission. Upon receiving multiple data streams for transmission of a first type of data, including a first data stream and a second data stream for transmission of the first type of data, the processing element is to select a first preamble for the first data stream and a second preamble for the second data stream, where the first preamble is distinguishable from the second preamble.