Virtual multiple-input multiple-output using relays

A method of wireless communication by a base station, the method comprising:

• establishing a communications link with a user equipment (UE);
• determining at least two radio network temporary identifiers (RNTIs) associated with the UE, wherein each of the at least two RNTIs is associated with a respective relay device of a plurality of relay devices;
• transmitting, to a first relay device of the plurality of relay devices, at least one first stream associated with a first RNTI of the at least two RNTIs, wherein the at least one first stream carries data or control information associated with the communications link;
• and
• transmitting, to a second relay device of the plurality of relay devices, at least one second stream associated with a second RNTI of the at least two RNTIs, wherein the at least one second stream carries data or control information associated with the communications link.

An apparatus for wireless communication by a user equipment (UE), the apparatus comprising:

• a memory;
• and
• at least one processor coupled to the memory and configured to:
• establish a communications link with a base station;
• determine at least two radio network temporary identifiers (RNTIs) associated with the communications link, wherein each of the at least two RNTIs is associated with a respective relay device of a plurality of relay devices;
• receive, from a first relay device of the plurality of relay devices, at least one first stream associated with a first RNTI of the at least two RNTIs, wherein the at least one first stream carries data or control information associated with the communications link;
• and
• receive, from a second relay device of the plurality of relay devices, at least one second stream associated with a second RNTI of the at least two RNTIs, wherein the at least one second stream carries data or control information associated with the communications link.

An apparatus for wireless communication by a base station, the apparatus comprising:

• a memory;
• and
• at least one processor coupled to the memory and configured to:
• establish a communications link with a user equipment (UE);
• determine at least two radio network temporary identifiers (RNTIs) associated with the UE, wherein each of the at least two RNTIs is associated with a respective relay device of a plurality of relay devices;
• transmit, to a first relay device of the plurality of relay devices, at least one first stream associated with a first RNTI of the at least two RNTIs, wherein the at least one first stream carries data or control information associated with the communications link;
• and
• transmit, to a second relay device of the plurality of relay devices, at least one second stream associated with a second RNTI of the at least two RNTIs, wherein the at least one second stream carries data or control information associated with the communications link.