Wake-On-LAN: Which Devices Can Wake Your Computer from Slumber?

In today’s world of remote work and smart homes, being able to wake your computer from a distance is more useful than ever. Wake-On-LAN (WOL) is a feature that allows you to turn on your computer remotely using a network message. But which devices can actually wake your computer? In this article, we’ll explore the different devices that support WOL and how to use them.

What is Wake-On-LAN?

Wake-On-LAN is a feature that allows a computer to be turned on or awakened from a low-power state by a network message. This message is usually sent by a device on the same network as the computer. WOL is commonly used in business environments where IT administrators need to remotely manage computers, but it’s also useful for home users who want to access their computer from another room or even from outside their home.

How Does Wake-On-LAN Work?

WOL works by sending a “magic packet” to the computer’s network interface card (NIC). This packet is a special type of network message that is designed to wake up the computer. The magic packet is usually sent by a device on the same network as the computer, but it can also be sent from a remote location using a VPN or other remote access technology.

Devices That Support Wake-On-LAN

So, which devices can wake your computer using WOL? Here are some of the most common devices that support WOL:

Network Interface Cards (NICs)

Most modern NICs support WOL. In fact, it’s a standard feature on most Ethernet cards and many Wi-Fi adapters. If your computer has a built-in Ethernet port or a Wi-Fi adapter, it’s likely that it supports WOL.

Routers and Switches

Many routers and switches support WOL, allowing you to send a magic packet to a computer on your network. This is useful if you want to wake up a computer that’s connected to your network but is currently turned off.

Smartphones and Tablets

You can use your smartphone or tablet to wake up your computer using WOL. There are many apps available that allow you to send a magic packet to a computer on your network. Some popular apps include Wake On LAN (iOS, Android), WOL (iOS, Android), and WakeMeOnLan (Android).

Other Devices

Other devices that support WOL include:

Smart TVs: Some smart TVs allow you to wake up a computer on your network using WOL.
Gaming Consoles: Some gaming consoles, such as the Xbox One and PlayStation 4, support WOL.
Network-Attached Storage (NAS) Devices: Many NAS devices support WOL, allowing you to wake up a computer on your network.

How to Use Wake-On-LAN

Using WOL is relatively straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

Enable WOL on Your Computer

To use WOL, you need to enable it on your computer. Here’s how:

Windows: Go to Device Manager, expand the “Network Adapters” section, right-click on your Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapter, and select “Properties.” Click on the “Advanced” tab and look for the “Wake on LAN” or “Wake on Magic Packet” option. Enable it and click “OK.”
Mac: Go to System Preferences, click on “Energy Saver,” and select the “Options” tab. Check the box next to “Wake for network access.”

Send a Magic Packet

Once WOL is enabled on your computer, you can send a magic packet to wake it up. Here’s how:

Using a Router or Switch: Log in to your router or switch and look for the WOL feature. Enter the MAC address of the computer you want to wake up and click “Send.”
Using a Smartphone or Tablet App: Open the WOL app on your smartphone or tablet and enter the MAC address of the computer you want to wake up. Click “Send” to send the magic packet.

Troubleshooting Wake-On-LAN

If you’re having trouble getting WOL to work, here are some common issues to check:

MAC Address

Make sure you’re using the correct MAC address for the computer you want to wake up. You can find the MAC address in the computer’s network settings or on the underside of the Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapter.

Network Configuration

Check your network configuration to ensure that the computer you want to wake up is on the same network as the device sending the magic packet.

Firewall Settings

Firewall settings can block WOL packets. Check your firewall settings to ensure that WOL packets are allowed.

Conclusion

Wake-On-LAN is a useful feature that allows you to wake up your computer remotely using a network message. Many devices support WOL, including network interface cards, routers, switches, smartphones, and tablets. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can enable WOL on your computer and start using it to wake up your computer from a distance.

Wake-On-LAN Devices Comparison Table

Note: The table above is not an exhaustive list of devices that support WOL. It’s meant to provide a general idea of the types of devices that support WOL.

What is Wake-On-LAN and how does it work?

Wake-On-LAN (WOL) is a technology that allows a computer to be turned on or awakened from a low-power state (such as sleep or hibernation) by a network message. This message, known as a “magic packet,” is sent to the computer’s network interface card (NIC) and is used to trigger the computer to wake up and become active. The magic packet is typically sent by a device on the same network as the computer, such as a router or another computer.

The magic packet is a specially formatted packet of data that is designed to be recognized by the computer’s NIC. When the NIC receives the magic packet, it sends a signal to the computer’s motherboard, which then triggers the computer to wake up. The computer will then begin to boot up and become active, allowing the user to access it remotely. WOL is commonly used in business environments to allow administrators to remotely manage computers, but it can also be used in home networks to allow users to access their computers from other devices.

Which devices can send a Wake-On-LAN signal?

A variety of devices can send a Wake-On-LAN signal, including routers, switches, and other computers on the same network. Some routers and switches have a built-in WOL feature that allows them to send magic packets to computers on the network. Additionally, many operating systems, including Windows and macOS, have built-in WOL capabilities that allow users to send magic packets to other computers on the network.

Other devices, such as smartphones and tablets, can also send WOL signals using third-party apps. These apps can be used to send magic packets to computers on the same network, allowing users to remotely wake up their computers. Some network-attached storage (NAS) devices and smart home devices also support WOL, allowing users to wake up their computers remotely.

Can any computer be woken up using Wake-On-LAN?

Not all computers can be woken up using Wake-On-LAN. In order for WOL to work, the computer’s network interface card (NIC) must support WOL and be configured to do so. Additionally, the computer’s motherboard and BIOS must also support WOL. Some older computers may not have WOL capabilities, or may require a BIOS update to enable WOL.

Furthermore, some computers may have WOL disabled by default, or may require a specific setting to be enabled in the BIOS or operating system. Users should check their computer’s documentation or manufacturer’s website to see if WOL is supported and how to enable it. It’s also worth noting that some computers may have specific requirements or limitations for WOL, such as requiring a specific type of network connection or a specific operating system.

How do I enable Wake-On-LAN on my computer?

To enable Wake-On-LAN on your computer, you will typically need to access the computer’s BIOS settings and look for the WOL option. The exact steps to enable WOL will vary depending on the computer’s manufacturer and model, but generally, you will need to restart the computer, press a key to enter the BIOS settings (such as F2 or Del), and then navigate to the WOL option.

Once you have enabled WOL in the BIOS, you may also need to configure the WOL settings in your operating system. For example, in Windows, you can enable WOL in the Device Manager by right-clicking on the network adapter and selecting “Properties,” then clicking on the “Advanced” tab and selecting “Wake on LAN” or “Wake on Magic Packet.” You may also need to configure the WOL settings in your router or switch, depending on your network configuration.

Is Wake-On-LAN secure?

Wake-On-LAN can be a secure technology if properly configured and used. However, there are some potential security risks to be aware of. For example, if a malicious user is able to send a magic packet to a computer, they may be able to wake it up and gain access to it. Additionally, if WOL is not properly configured, it may be possible for unauthorized devices to wake up a computer.

To minimize the security risks associated with WOL, users should ensure that their network is properly secured, using features such as firewalls and access controls. Additionally, users should only enable WOL on devices that need it, and should use secure protocols, such as encryption, to protect data transmitted over the network. It’s also a good idea to regularly review and update the WOL settings on your devices to ensure that they are properly configured and secure.

Can Wake-On-LAN be used with wireless networks?

Wake-On-LAN can be used with wireless networks, but it may require additional configuration and may not work as reliably as it does with wired networks. Wireless networks use a different type of network interface card (NIC) than wired networks, and not all wireless NICs support WOL.

Additionally, wireless networks may have additional security features, such as encryption and authentication, that can interfere with WOL. To use WOL with a wireless network, users may need to configure their wireless router or access point to allow WOL traffic, and may need to use a specific type of wireless NIC that supports WOL. It’s also worth noting that WOL may not work as well with wireless networks that have a lot of interference or congestion.

Are there any alternatives to Wake-On-LAN?

Yes, there are several alternatives to Wake-On-LAN. One common alternative is to use a remote desktop or remote access protocol, such as Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) or Virtual Private Network (VPN), to access a computer remotely. These protocols allow users to access a computer’s desktop and applications remotely, without the need to wake up the computer.

Another alternative is to use a cloud-based service, such as a cloud storage or cloud computing service, to access files and applications remotely. These services allow users to access their files and applications from any device with an internet connection, without the need to wake up a specific computer. Additionally, some devices, such as smart home devices and IoT devices, may have their own remote access protocols that can be used to access and control them remotely.