Abstract: Using an allocated control channel resource in a relay transmission frame, with an identified starting point, in a semi-static allocation scheme is disclosed. The control signaling may be mapped to the allocated control channel resource using different mapping schemes. Also disclosed is decoding a control channel element from a relay transmission frame received via a wireless relay link. The control channel resource associated with the relay transmission frame may be allocated in a semi-static allocation scheme. A starting indicator may be extracted from the decoded control channel element. A part of control signaling may be extracted from the decoded control channel element using the extracted starting indicator.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, a method comprises allocating a control channel resource in a wireless relay transmission frame on a wireless relay link; generating a control signaling based on at least one of a resource allocation scheme, a status of the wireless relay link and a traffic condition of the wireless relay link; mapping the control signaling to the allocated control channel resource via at least one of a time-first mapping, a frequency-first mapping, and a multiplexing mapping; and transmitting the control signaling in the allocated control channel resource on the wireless relay link to at least one associated relay node.