The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for controlling a communication link that interconnects communication nodes through a relay node in a communication system. To this end, a relay connection configuration between at least one first communication node and at least one second communication node is determined, and communication between the at least one first communication node and the at least one second communication node is provided by the determined connection configuration. Here, the relay connection configuration includes a backhaul network connection configuration that interconnects the at least one first communication node and the relay node, an access network connection configuration that interconnects the at least one second communication node and the relay node, a direct access connection configuration that interconnects the at least one first communication node and the at least one second communication node, and/or an internal connection configuration that interconnects a backhaul network interface bank connected to the at least one first communication node and an access network interface bank connected to the at least one second communication node within the relay node.