Method and apparatus for power control with variable data rate

A method for providing power control with variable data rate, the method comprising: receiving a data frame having an input data rate selected from a plurality of possible input data rates; selecting an encoding rate based on the input data rate; encoding data frames to produce output symbols, repeating output symbols using first and second generating polynomials and multiplexing the repeated output symbols, selecting a puncturing format to puncture data bits and producing output data having a constant output data rate for a number of possible input data rates based on a combination of input data rates, selected encoding rate and selected puncturing format for providing said variable data rate communication link; determining a frame error rate for a number of possible input data rates; calculating differences between the frame error rates and a target error rate and adjusting the power depending on whether the difference is greater, equal or less than a predetermined threshold.