Various embodiments of a power saving scheme in data communication are provided. In one aspect, a method transmits a plurality of symbols each of which containing an overhead portion and at least a portion of a respective data transmission unit (DTU). In particular, the method transmits the overhead portion of a first symbol of the plurality of symbols and the at least a portion of a respective DTU of the first symbol when the at least a portion of the respective DTU of the first symbol contains payload data. The method transmits the overhead portion of a second symbol of the plurality of symbols without transmitting the at least a portion of a respective DTU of the second symbol when the at least a portion of the respective DTU of the second symbol contains no payload data.