A framer comprises a channel state block configured to store channel state information (CSI) of a data stream. The CSI includes one or more format indicators and one or more sample size indicators. The framer also comprises a frame timer configured to provide frame state information and a frame builder communicatively coupled to the channel state block and the frame timer. The frame builder is configured to receive the one or more format indicators and the one or more sample size indicators. The frame builder is also configured to receive the frame state information and to receive at least some of data units of the data stream. The frame builder is also configured to build a self-describing superframe based on the one or more format indicators, the one or more sample size indicators, the frame state information, and the at least some of data units. A deframer is also disclosed.