A method and system for bi-directional communications are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method comprises configuring the first device to enter an active mode according to a non-overlapping (NOL) schedule, the second device being in a silent mode. A transmitter of the first device transmits a first local data signal for a duration not exceeding a maximum tolerable silent duration of the second device. The first device is configured to enter the silent mode after transmitting the first local data signal, according to the NOL schedule.