Management of incoming data for a dormant mobile terminal by transferring or discarding buffered incoming data responsive to a connection being established in time

A packet control function (PCF) within a wireless communication network, such as a network based on the TIA/EIA/IS-2000 family of standards, manages incoming data for dormant mobile terminals. In response to the PCF receiving incoming data for a dormant mobile terminal, it starts a reactivation timer, begins buffering the incoming data, and initiates reactivation of the mobile terminal. If the network reestablishes connection with the mobile terminal before expiration of the reactivation timer, the PCF transfers buffered data to the mobile terminal; otherwise, it flushes the buffered data andresets the timer. Subsequent incoming data causes this process to repeat, but the timer's expiration period limits the repeat interval. This period limits the frequency at which reactivation is attempted, thus limiting network signaling overhead. Further, the PCF limits the memory needed for buffering incoming data, by discarding data received during the expiration period in excess of a defined buffer limit.