A system and method for relaying transmissions in wireless communications is provided. A method for combined relay node operation includes determining an operating mode of the combined relay node, where the combined relay node includes a repeater and a relay. The method also includes if the operating mode is repeater on mode, amplifying and forwarding received signals, and storing subframes, where subframes are demodulated and decoded versions of the received signals. The method further includes if the operating mode is repeater off mode, amplifying and forwarding a control zone of signals received while the operating mode is repeater off mode, and transmitting subframes stored while the operating mode is repeater on mode.