In accordance with embodiments of the invention, in a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) configured in accordance with the HIPERLAN Type 2 standard where an Access Point (AP) and Mobile Terminals (MTs) use a duplex airlink having a MAC frame structure to communicate with each other, when an MT fails to properly perceive and decode a wakeup announcement in the MAC frame that is directed to it by the AP, the MT will remain awake and continue to decode and monitor subsequent MAC frames until it either receives a wakeup announcement directed to it, or until a predetermined number of MAC frames transpire. Where the MT fails to correctly decode a wakeup announcement and/or fails to send an acknowledgment signal back to the AP when the wakeup announcement includes a polling request, the AP will continue to resend the wakeup announcement and any appropriate, associated downlink data pending for the AP, in subsequent MAC frames. The AP continues until either the MT correctly receives the wakeup announcement and responds appropriately, or until a predetermined number of MAC frames expire.