When embedding a signal into a selected subcarrier of a multicarrier downlink waveform of regular data/control signaling, a base station modulates the embedded signal with a different modulation scheme than the other data in the downlink waveform. The base station nulls adjacent subcarriers to minimize interference at a low-power wake-up receiver of an IOE device(s). The IOE device wakes up the low-power wake-up receiver at scheduled times to listen for the signal. For synchronization signals, the IOE device corrects a local clock based on a correlation value of the signal to a predetermined sequence. For wake-up signals, the IOE device correlates whatever is detected at the antenna to a predetermined sequence and compares the correlation value to a predetermined threshold. If the threshold is met, the IOE device registers a wake-up signal and wakes the primary transceiver of the device. If not, the receiver goes back to sleep.