A method for generating an uplink transmission burst includes using one or more symbols to define the uplink transmission burst, and forming a preamble portion and a payload portion for the uplink transmission burst. The preamble portion is formed using at least a portion of one or more of the symbols, such that the preamble portion includes a signature that is defined in a predetermined signature set. The payload portion is formed using at least a portion of one or more of the symbols. Typically, at least a portion of the preamble portion and at least a portion of the payload portion are formed using the same symbol.