For use in visible light communication (VLC), methods for synchronization with multiple topology support and for transmitting an extended preamble. The method for synchronization includes transmitting a two-part preamble sequence. The preamble sequence includes one or more repetitions of a fast locking pattern (FLP) configured to be used for clock synchronization, and one or more repetitions of a topology dependent pattern (TDP) configured to be used to distinguish a plurality of VLC topologies. The method for transmitting an extended preamble includes generating an extended preamble and transmitting the extended preamble during a receive or idle mode for maintaining visibility support and for better synchronization performance.