A Multi-Mode MAC Protocol with Relay Support

Future mobile radio networks will have the requirement of very high data rates. Typical wireless data communication will not only occur in short range scenarios like hotspots in airports, city centres, exhibition halls, etc., but also in wide area environments, e.g. a moving car in a rural environment. Data services will require a ubiquitous mobile radio system and demand better quality of service, like high data rates and low delays. Two promising concepts for future mobile radio communication are the deployment of relays and the ability to adapt to various deployment strategies by using different radio access technologies, i.e. modes with a common technology basis. The former concept allows enlarging the cell coverage. Relays are not wired connected and consequently a cost-efficient alternative to base stations that work in a decode-and-forward principle. The latter concept provides modes that are tailored solutions for specific environments and thus allow the adaptation to various scenarios by selecting the most adequate one. The aim of this work is to merge the advantages taken from both concepts to one solution.