Example methods and client devices and network access nodes for link failure recovery in connected-mode-discontinuous-reception (C-DRX) mode are described. In one example method, the client device performs beam/link monitoring according to a first link recovery procedure if the client device is in non-discontinuous-reception (non-DRX) mode operation with a network access node. The client device performs beam/link monitoring according to a second link recovery procedure if the client device is in C-DRX mode operation with the network access node.