For use in a wireless network, a controller for relay stations. The relay station increases cell coverage and user data rates while employing power consumption saving techniques. The relay station compares a threshold power setting with a current power setting. If the threshold power setting is greater than the current power setting, the relay station increments the threshold power setting and decreases the cell coverage. If the threshold power setting is less than or equal to the current power setting, the relay station decreases the threshold power setting until the threshold power setting is equal to a total power setting of the relay station. The relay station also employs load balancing techniques by comparing a threshold power setting with a current load setting. If the threshold power setting is greater than the current load setting, the relay station increases the cell coverage based on the available bandwidth.