The disclosed embodiments provide a system that processes incoming network packets to an electronic device. The system includes an analysis apparatus that maintains a list of accepted incoming packet attributes for the electronic device based on outgoing packets from the electronic device. The system also includes a management apparatus that uses the list to classify an incoming packet to the electronic device as a solicited incoming packet or an unsolicited incoming packet. If the incoming packet is classified as the solicited incoming packet, the management apparatus enables subsequent processing of the incoming packet on the electronic device. If the incoming packet is classified as the unsolicited incoming packet, the management apparatus adjusts a triggering of radio dormancy in the electronic device based on the incoming packet.