Layer 2 relay to support coverage and resource-constrained devices in wireless networks

A method, comprising:

• configuring a transceiver of a mobile communications relay device to receive control signals from a network node;
• and
• configuring a processor of the relay device to pass a first proper subset of said control signals to a remote device without operating according to said control signals, and to operate according to control signals in a second proper subset of said control signals that is distinct from the first proper subset, thereby operating on behalf of said remote device to support communication between said remote device and said network node;
• wherein said first proper subset includes RRC and PDCP control signals from an E-UTRAN protocol stack;
• wherein said second proper subset includes RLC, MAC, and PHY control signals from the E-UTRAN protocol stack.

A mobile communications relay device, comprising:

• a transceiver configured to exchange control signals with a network node;
• a processor;
• and
• a memory coupled to said processor and containing instructions that configure the processor to operate the transceiver to exchange said control signals,
• wherein said instructions further configure the processor to pass a first proper subset of said control signals to a remote device without operating according to said control signals, and to operate according to control signals in a second proper subset of said control signals that is distinct from the first proper subset thereby operating on behalf of said remote device to support communication between said remote device and said network node;
• wherein said instructions further configure said processor to implement an E-UTRAN protocol stack divided between said relay device and said remote device, wherein any Layer-3 protocols of the E-UTRAN protocol stack are implemented in said remote device for communications directed to said remote device.

A method, comprising:

• configuring a transceiver of a mobile communications relay device to receive control signals from a network node;
• configuring a processor of the relay device to pass a first proper subset of said control signals to a remote device without operating according to said control signals, and to operate according to control signals in a second proper subset of said control signals that is distinct from the first proper subset, thereby operating on behalf of said remote device to support communication between said remote device and said network node;
• and
• configuring said processor to implement an E-UTRAN protocol stack divided between said relay device and said remote device, wherein any Layer-3 protocols of the E-UTRAN protocol stack are implemented in said remote device for communications directed to said remote device.