The present disclosure relates to a pre-5th-Generation (5G) or 5G communication system to be provided for supporting higher data rates beyond 4th-generation (4G) communication system, such as long term evolution (LTE). To support multiple access, a method for operating a terminal is provided. The method includes sending at least one first reference signal over a first resource which supports orthogonal multiple access with at least one other terminal, sending at least one second reference signal over a second resource which supports non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) with the at least one other terminal, and sending a data signal according to the NOMA with the at least one other terminal.