Systems and methods are described for donor access node (DeNB) selection at a relay access node (AN). A plurality of DeNBs may be identified, the DeNBs being located within a radio range of the relay AN. A metric may be calculated at the relay AN and used by the relay AN to select multiple, preferred DeNBs from the plurality of DeNBs. The relay AN may simultaneously request a connection to each of the multiple, preferred DeNBs. Data signals may be combined for transport at the relay AN and sent to end-user wireless devices, the multiple, preferred DeNBs, or both.