A proxy device includes a processor circuit, a memory coupled to the processor circuit, and a network interface coupled to the processor circuit. The processor circuit is configured to function as a proxy for network communications to and from an internet of things, IoT, device that is located within a same home network as the proxy device. The processor circuit is configured to determine that the IoT device is in sleep mode in which the IoT device is unable to send or receive network communications, and, in response to determining that the IoT device is in sleep mode, to store network communications received from a remote server on behalf of the IoT device until determining that the IoT device has entered active mode in which the IoT device is able to send and receive network communications.