A method is disclosed for increasing the communication capacity of a shared ad-hoc wireless channel by using multiuser detection (MUD) to distinguish overlapping information transmitted simultaneously by a plurality of nodes. The transmitting nodes simultaneously provide parameter-estimating signals over separate, unshared, low-rate parameter channels generated using orthogonal frequencies, spread spectrum technology, or time multiplexing. Receiving nodes use these separate, non-overlapping parameter-estimating signals to estimate MUD-required signal parameters such as amplitude, phase, and frequency offset, thereby enabling use of lower complexity MUD receivers, because the parameters are not estimated in the presence of other interference. Node ID, spreading code type, and/or other information can also be transmitted over the parameter channels. Limiting the number of parameter channels can limit the maximum number of transmitting nodes. Amplitudes of parameter channel transmissions can be greater than communication channel transmissions by a known ratio. Parameter channels can be frequency-hopped for jam-resistance.