Methods and devices for redefining a time alignment timer of a wireless communication network include determining that a Radio Resource Control, RRC, connection from the UE to a network node is operating in Connected Discontinuous Reception, CDRX, mode. In response to determining that the RRC connection is operating in CDRX mode, an initial message include a Protocol Feature Type, PFT, and a User Equipment Type and Software Version Number, UE-TSVN is transmitted, to the network node. In response to the initial message, a handshake message including the PFT, a downlink Protocol Message Type, PMT, indicating a Time Alignment Timer Definition, TATDEF, message type, and a Protocol Message Body, PMB, associated with the TATDEF message type that including one or more values for redefining a time alignment timer is received from the network node.