Apparatus and method for synchronization in a multicarrier communication system by observing a phase-frequency relationship of a plurality of pilot signals

A method, apparatus, and system detects a loss of synchronization between a transmitter and a receiver in a multi-carrier communication system, such as an OFDM system. Multiple synchronization indicators are observed to determine if a loss of synchronization has occurred between a transmitter and a receiver in the wireless system. In one embodiment, the receiver is determined to have a loss of synchronization with the transmitter, if two or more of the three synchronization indicators indicate loss of synchronization. In such an embodiment, the three desynchronization indicators include a timing error indicator, an energy guard band indicator and a phase-frequency slope indicator.