Various communication systems may benefit from improved performance. For example, communication systems may benefit from a multi-functional reference signal that allows for the harmonization of different reference signal patterns. A method, in certain embodiments, may include constructing at a base station a reference signal including a plurality of reference signal patterns. The plurality of reference signal patterns can include at least one of a default reference signal pattern or a multi-functional signal pattern for at least one of uplink or downlink. The plurality of reference signal patterns can include at least one of partially overlapping or non-overlapping resource elements. In addition, the plurality of reference signal patterns are constructed dynamically for a specific user or group of users. The method may also include sending the reference signal from the base station to a user equipment.