Understanding Wake on LAN and How it Works 16/04/2023 – Posted in: Network – Tags: , , , ,

Time needed to read: 4 minutes

Have you ever wanted to access your computer remotely but didn’t want to leave it on all day and night? Wake on LAN (WoL) is a technology that allows you to remotely wake up a computer from a sleep or hibernation state using a network message. In this blog post, we will discuss how Wake on LAN works, its benefits, and how to set it up.

How Wake on LAN Works

Wake on LAN uses a special network message called a “Magic Packet” to wake up a computer. The Magic Packet is a specially crafted packet that contains the MAC address of the target computer. When the network card receives the Magic Packet, it triggers the computer to wake up.

To use Wake on LAN, the target computer must have a network interface card that supports Wake on LAN. Most modern network interface cards support Wake on LAN. However, the feature may need to be enabled in the BIOS or UEFI firmware of the computer.

Benefits of Wake on LAN

There are several benefits to using Wake on LAN. One of the main benefits is that it allows you to remotely access your computer without leaving it on all day and night. This can save you money on your electricity bill and help reduce your carbon footprint.

Another benefit of Wake on LAN is that it allows you to access your computer from anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection. This can be useful for accessing files or running programs that are only available on your home computer.

Setting Up Wake on LAN

To set up Wake on LAN, you need to do the following:

  1. Ensure that your network interface card supports Wake on LAN.
  2. Enable Wake on LAN in the BIOS or UEFI firmware of your computer.
  3. Configure your router to forward Wake on LAN packets to your computer.
  4. Install a Wake on LAN client on your remote computer or smartphone.
  5. Send a Magic Packet to your computer to wake it up.

There are several Wake on LAN clients available for different platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Android. Some popular Wake on LAN clients include WakeOnLAN, Depicus Wake on Lan, and TeamViewer.

Conclusion

Wake on LAN is a convenient technology that allows you to remotely wake up a computer from a sleep or hibernation state using a network message. It is a useful feature for accessing your computer remotely and can help save you money on your electricity bill. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can easily set up Wake on LAN and start enjoying its benefits.

Reference link: https://www.howtogeek.com/70374/how-to-geek-explains-what-is-wake-on-lan-and-how-do-i-enable-it/