Wake On LAN (WOL) Tool

Ever faced the hassle of needing to boot up an office computer for troubleshooting, only to find it's switched off? Physically approaching each system isn't the most efficient solution, right? Enter Wake on LAN (WOL) - a savvy method that lets you power up remote computers directly from your device, making remote troubleshooting a breeze without budging from your seat!

The Wake on LAN mechanism works by dispatching a specialized broadcast message, known as the 'magic packet', which carries the MAC address of the destined machine within a specific subnetwork. Upon reception, the target computer's Network Card validates the message and, recognizing it's for that particular device, initiates the system boot-up.

Capabilities of Remote Access Plus' Wake-On-LAN (WOL) Tool

The WoL tool is one of the primary features in Remote Access Plus. Using this tool, you can

1. Instantly wake computers on-demand before troubleshooting.
2. Boot computers in the same or different subnet.
3. Wake any number of computers proving the MAC ID, Subnet and IP address without an agent.
4. Enable broadcasting and unicasting.
5. Wake computers in bulk.

Pre-requisites for Wake-On-LAN Tool

With Remote Access Plus, you can instantly power on computers belonging to same or different subnets. However, there are a few pre-requisites to be met,

1. To wake computers in a different subnet at least one computer in the specified subnet should be live.
2. Network settings should be configured to enable IP directed broadcast.
3. Proper BIOS level settings should be enabled. How to enable BIOS settings?
4. Ensure proper OS settings.

Note: Wake-On-LAN functionality is not supported for managed Virtual Machines.

How to boot machines remotely with Remote Access Plus WOL Software?

1. Ensure all the prerequisite steps are done.
2. Open Remote Access Plus web console and search for the device you wish to wake up from the Home tab.
3. Hover over the device and click on Wake up Now to wake up the computer instantly.

 

1. An alternate method, navigate to Tool -> Wake On LAN
2. Select the computer you wish to wake up and and click on Wake Up Now.

 

How to schedule Wake On LAN task with Remote Access Plus?

To create a Wake on LAN task, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Define Task

• Navigate to Wake on LAN from the Tools tab.
• Click the Schedule Wake Up button to create a new task and specify the following:
  • Provide a name for the task
  • Waiting time after wake up: Endpoint Central, after broadcasting the Wake On LAN packets, will wait for the period specified here to check the status of the computer.
  • Resolve IP Address on each schedule: Select this option to resolve the IP Addresses of the machines during every schedule.

Step 2: Select Computers

• Define the targets that comprise the list of computers to be booted.
• Broadcasting of the WOL packets is based on the subnet address of the computers. If the subnet address is blank or if it is incorrect, the task may fail. You can modify the details such as MAC address, IP address and Subnet mask of the computer by choosing Modify under the Actions column opposite to the corresponding computer.

Step 3: Define Scheduler

• Once: To run the task only once. You need to specify the date and time.
• Daily: To run the task daily. Specify the time and duration to run the task.
• Weekly: To run the task on specific day(s) in a week. Specify the time, start date, and days on which the task has to be run.
• Monthly: To run the task specific day every month(s). You need to specify starting time, select a day and select a month/months.

Step 4: Deploy Task

Click the Submit button to deploy this task. The tasks will be run at the scheduled time and interval. The status of the tasks and their execution history can be verified from the Task Details page.

How to view & modify Wake On LAN (WOL) Tasks?

To view the Wake on LAN tasks that have been created, follow the steps below:

• Navigate to Wake on LAN from the Tools tab. This lists all the tasks that are already created/scheduled.
• To modify a task, choose to Modify from the Actions column opposite to the corresponding task.
• To delete a task, choose to Delete from the Actions column opposite to the corresponding task.

How to view Wake On LAN (WOL) Task Status?

To view the status of the Wake on LAN tasks that have been created, follow the steps below:

• Select Wake on LAN from the Tools tab. This lists all the tasks that are already created/scheduled.
• Click on the task name to view the status of the computers in that task.

You can filter to view the details of the computers by filtering status such as Scheduled, Processing, Success, and Failed.

FAQs about Wake On LAN (WOL) Tool

What is Wake on LAN (WOL)?

Wake-on-LAN (WoL) is a network protocol and feature that enables admins to wake up a computer or device in a low-power state, such as sleep, hibernate, or even powered off, using a network signal. This signal is usually referred to as a magic packet.

What is Wake-On-LAN used for?

• Wake up computers to update critical patches instantly.
• Help admins perform system updates during off working hours by waking up the devices.
• Wake up your laptop or desktop at office and access them right from anywhere.
• Turn on the device and keep it ready right before the end user comes to work.

What protocol does Wake On LAN (WOL) use?

Wake-on-LAN (WoL) uses the UDP protocol on port number 9. The mechanism operates by sending a "magic packet" to a device. This magic packet is a broadcast frame that contains the target computer's MAC address repeated 16 times consecutively in the payload. The target device's network interface card (NIC) listens for such a packet even when the device is in a low-power state. Upon recognizing a magic packet addressed to its MAC address, the NIC sends a signal to wake up the computer.

Why do you need a Wake on LAN tool?

In the digitally-driven landscape, a Wake-on-LAN (WoL) tool is essential for efficient IT management and energy conservation. It allows IT teams to remotely activate computers, facilitating prompt updates and maintenance, even after-hours. This not only curbs energy use but also boosts operational efficiency. As remote work becomes the norm, a WoL tool ensures seamless connectivity and enhanced security across all devices.

Is Wake on LAN safe?

Wake on LAN will be enabled only if it meets certain pre-requisites in Remote Access Plus. In addition to that, there are various options available to tighten the security during any agent-server communication.

Is Wake On LAN (WOL) Free?

Remote Access Plus is coupled with free wake on LAN tool to help you wake up and troubleshoot endpoints from anywhere.

How does Wake-On-LAN work?

If you need to turn on a computer remotely that is currently shut down, you can use Wake on LAN. To do this, you'll need to have Remote Access Plus installed and running on at least one computer. Once that's set up, just log into the Remote Access Plus web console and go to the "Tools" section. From there, you can select the Wake on LAN feature and click on any computer that's marked in red (which means it's currently shut down). This will start the booting process and turn on the computer without you needing to physically press the power button.

Benefits of Wake On LAN (WOL) Tool

• Troubleshoot remotely shutdown computers immediately
• Ease the workflow of other IT administrative tasks by scheduling computers to boot up at a specific time.
• Organizations can keep computers powered off when not in use, saving on energy costs. They can be awakened only when necessary, contributing to greener and more cost-effective operations.
• With WoL, IT administrators can schedule updates, backups, or other tasks during off-hours, minimizing disruptions during peak working hours.
• In case of security vulnerabilities or other urgent issues, WoL enables IT teams to quickly wake up and patch multiple systems, ensuring that defenses are updated in a timely manner.

How to choose the best Wake On LAN Software?

A best Wake On LAN software will have following features:

• Additional Capabilities: Along with Wake On LAN, it must let you remotely perform troubleshooting tasks from anywhere.
• Compatibility: It must have cross-platform support.
• Ease of Use: Intuitive interface and straightforward setup.
• Security Features: Robust encryption and secure protocols.
• Scalability: Adapts to growing network needs.
• Centralized Control: Manage multiple devices from one dashboard.