Abstract: A first method includes determining a total length of pending packets for a network link, determining a currently preferred power mode for the network link based on the total length of pending packets for the network link, and changing a current power mode for the network link to the currently preferred power mode. A corresponding apparatus is also disclosed herein. A second method includes determining a utilization for a network link, determining a currently preferred power mode for the network link based on the utilization for the network link, and changing a current power mode for the network link to the currently preferred power mode. A corresponding apparatus is also disclosed herein.