The memory 1122 may store control instructions that may be executed by the processor 1121. Executing the control instructions can cause the processor 1121 to perform techniques of power saving at a terminal 130 connectable to the eNB 112. Such techniques may include synchronizing communication with the terminal 130 according to a schedule for switching between at least one active state and a sleep state at the terminal. The schedule may be negotiated with the terminal.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method according to various examples. For example, the method according to FIG. 5 may be executed by the processor 1121 to perform techniques of power saving a terminal.

First, at block 6011, a schedule for switching, at the terminal, between at least one active state and a sleep state, is negotiated. Block 6011 may include transmitting and/or receiving control data to and/or from the terminal. Block 6011 may be a one-way or a two-way negotiation. Block 6011 is optional. For example, instead of negotiating the schedule, the schedule may be fixedly predefined.

Next, at block 6012, UL control data is received from the terminal. The UL control data is indicative of a temporary deviation from the schedule. In the example of FIG. 5, the temporary deviation is again implemented as a prolongation of the at least one active state.

The method may further include implementing transmission of DL payload data and/or DL control data in accordance with the temporary deviation from the schedule.