Abstract: Synchronization algorithm for orthogonal frequency division multiplex (OFDM) systems is discussed. A joint algorithm is proposed based on cyclic prefix and virtual carriers. This algorithm does not need assistant data hence decreases system redundancy. In the algorithm, the symbol synchronization and the fractional frequency offset are obtained by using ML algorithm based on the cyclic prefix property, and the integral frequency offset is obtained by the position offset of virtual carriers. The results show the proposed algorithm not only achieves symbol synchronization and large range of frequency offset estimation, without increased calculation complexity and system redundancy, but also can be used for fast synchronization.