Methods and apparatus for identification of macro-cells and subordinate transmission nodes. In one embodiment, the methods and apparatus are configured for use within a long term evolution (LTE/LTE-A) network, and include a scrambling technique which can facilitate advanced capabilities in which the subordinate nodes possess unique cell identities from the macro-cell. The use of unique scrambling sequences allows subordinate node switching and other advanced multi-antenna techniques in heterogeneous networks. The disclosed methods and apparatus further allow for distinction and detection of signals transmitted from low-power RRHs, femto-cells, etc. and advantageously achieve greater interference randomization gain.