Method and apparatus for adaptive power management in a modem

A data traffic predictor for a modem, and a method for power management in a modem, are described. The data traffic predictor includes a data traffic monitor, a periodicity detector and a power mode controller. The data traffic monitor monitors incoming data to the modem. If the periodicity detector determines if the data is substantially periodic, which indicates that the data traffic is isochronous, the power mode controller changes the modem power mode to quiescent power mode operating at a minimum data rate to permit the isochronous data traffic to be carried. The apparatus and method of the present invention permit low level control of a modem's power mode, and permit the use of a quiescent power mode running at a reduced data rate, without sacrificing quick recovery time to a full on power mode when required.