Patent ID: 8687535

Claim:
A method comprising: in a cable modem termination system (CMTS): receiving a request that a network device be permitted to enter a power-saving mode of operation; in response to said request, entering a power-saving mode of operation wherein media access control (MAC) management messages are transmitted at independently determinable intervals; and transmitting a message granting said network device permission to enter said power-saving mode of operation, wherein said message includes one or more of: a parameter indicating which one or more channels said network device should transmit on while in said power-saving mode of operation; a parameter indicating which one or more channels said network device should receive on while in said power-saving mode of operation; a parameter indicating what type of signals the network device should transmit for while in said power-saving mode of operation; and a parameter indicating what type of signals the network device should listen for while in said power-saving mode of operation.