A wireless communication system includes at least one transmitter and at least one receiver. The transmitter is configured to establish wireless link parameters and transmit a data communication using the wireless link parameters. The receiver is configured to receive the data communication, automatically identify one or more of the wireless link parameters using the data, and extract a payload using the identified wireless link parameters. Prior to receiving the data communication, the receiver requires limited information concerning the wireless link parameters established by the transmitter. The wireless link parameters can include selectable aspects such as one or more of a transmission channel, a transmission data rate, a modulation format, a transmission power, a packet format, and a channel coding scheme.