A first network interface device maintains a first counter, synchronized with a second counter of a second network interface device, that indicates a count of partial frames corresponding to communication frames exchanged between the first network interface device and a second network interface device via a communication link in a motor vehicle. While the first network interface device is in a low power mode of operation, the first network interface device i) uses the first counter to determine timing of windows, ii) powers up at least at a receive portion of the first network interface device during the windows to determine whether the second network device transmitted a signal configured to prompt the first network interface device to exit the low power mode of operation, and powers down between the windows in response to determining that the second network device did not transmit the signal.