Techniques for increasing the security and reliability of frame transmission are described. In an example, a network access device transmits a first frame indicating that a protected frame is to be used for a power mode change. The network access device receives a second frame that includes an identifier of a device and a change to a power mode of the device. The network access device determines whether the second frame is protected. In addition, the network access device determines whether data received for the device is to be stored prior to transmission to the device based at least in part on whether the second frame is protected.