Methods and apparatus for operating mobile nodes in multiple states

The use of multiple states of mobile communication device operation to allow a single base station to support a relatively large number of mobile nodes is described. Various states require different amounts of communications resources, e.g., bandwidth and/or control signaling. Different numbers of control channels (700) are monitored during different states (702-708) of operation. A mobile node monitors during a first state (702) of operation, e.g., the on-state, a first control channel to detect control signals in segments of the first control channel intended for the mobile node, detects a period of reduced control signaling to said mobile node on said first control channel, and then, in response to detecting a period of reduced control signal signaling to the mobile node, transitions from said first state (702) to a second state (8706) of operation. During the second state (706) of operation fewer control channels are monitored and the first control channel is not monitored.