Embodiments are directed to mapping Physical Layer Pipes (PLPs) with the service_id and with components of a service through the Program Map Table (PMT). A descriptor may be defined for this purpose. In accordance with one or more embodiments, a PLP_identifier_descriptor may contain an identifier for a physical layer pipe (PLP_id). In addition, several other PLP related parameters may be carried within the PLP_identifier_descriptor, instead of carrying the parameters in OSI Layer 1. The PLP_identifier_descriptor may be carried in several different tables, including, but not limited to, a Program Map Table (PMT). The PLP_identifier_descriptor may include a physical layer pipe identifier and, optionally, parameters for modulation, code rate, and FEC block type. A receiver, in accordance with embodiments, may be able to access the actual service content based on a combination of the L1 signalling information, legacy PSI/SI information, and the signalling information set forth in the PLP_identifier_descriptor.