A method of multi-hop relay chain formation in a wireless communication network includes discovering, via a remote electronic device, one or more other electronic devices in communication range of the remote electronic device; selecting one of the discovered electronic devices as an relay electronic device for communicating in the multi-hop relay chain; after selecting the relay electronic device, transmitting, via the remote electronic device, a request to establish a PC5 link; and establishing the PC5 link with the remote electronic device to join or form the multi-hop relay chain within the wireless communication network.