One or both link partners coupled via an Ethernet link may comprise a PHY device operable to initiate a wake-up interval. The PHY device may monitor parameters that may indicate Ethernet link status. Exemplary parameters may comprise a timer, communication performance metrics and/or configuration parameters. From a low power mode, the PHY device may generate a wake state idle symbol based on the monitoring and may communicate it to a local and/or a remote MAC. The local and/or remote MAC may establish a wake-up interval. The wake-up interval may comprise synchronization, circuit adaption and updating of communication parameters, which may enable control of noise cancellation functions and/or equalization functions. One or both of the link partners may transition to a low power mode after the wake-up interval and/or to an active state after the wake-up interval.