Relay Chain Planning

Relay stations extend the effective coverage of a radio network. Each station consists of two radios operating on separate networks and connected by cable. A signal received by either radio is retransmitted by the other, enabling bidirectional communication between the two networks.

A relay chain forms one logical network from several physical radio networks. The figure illustrates a chain with four relay stations spanning five physical networks. To keep the diagram clear, it shows only the coverage areas of radios R2-2 and R3-1 in Net3.

A radio connected to a physical network in the relay chain must be able to reach both relay radios on that network. In the example, a radio in Net3 must establish connection to both R2-2 and R3-1 to communicate across the entire relay chain. Therefore, the useful coverage area for end-to-end communication in the relay chain is the area where the coverage of R2-2 and R3-1 overlaps.