A method and system for a estimating a most likely location of a periodic SYNC burst within an optical signal received through an optical communications system. A cross-correlation is calculated between a multi-bit digital signal derived from the optical signal and a known symbol sequence of the SYNC burst. The cross-correlation is logically partitioned into sub-blocks. A candidate sub-block in which the SYCN burs is mot likely located is identified, and analysed to estimate a location of the SYNC burst.