When there are no network devices currently associated with a wireless network controller, the network controller may reduce power consumption by placing itself in a standby mode. In the standby mode, the network controller may place some of its components into a non-operational low power state, while keeping enough components in an operational state to receive and decode received communications requests from devices that may wish to become associated with it. This may involve placing the transmit chain, and in some cases the applications processor, into the low power state. When a communications request is detected, the network controller may restore the transmit chain and if necessary the applications processor to an operational state, and transmit a response to the communications request.