


This is not a problem for desktop computers, but you might want to turn this feature off on a laptop if you’re on the road. Keep in mind that in order to listen for a packet, your computer will consume some power maintaining the network card active. Typically Wake-on-LAN ports used for information packets are UDP 7 and UDP 9. This information is usually sent out by specialized software from any platform, but internet-based apps and routers cand also send this information. The technology works by essentially preparing wake-on-LAN enabled computers to wait for an information packet that includes the network’s card MAC address in it. Also, it’s a good feature to have on if you’re using the computer as a file server or game server.Īlso see our article covering the best free Wake-on-LAN tools. Wake-on-LAN is ideal to be used in conjunction with a program like TeamViewer or VNC. The biggest advantage is that you will maintain non-stop access to all your files and programs. And if you’re worried about the energy costs, don’t be – Your PC is already shutting down in a low-power state, so you won’t see a boost in your electricity bill.

Wake-on-LAN is a type of feature that could come in handy in a wide variety of situations.

This is possible because once the Wake-On-Lan function is enabled, the NIC (Network Interface Card) is still receiving power. The Wake-On-Lan technology is essentially capable of starting your PC remotely as if the power button has been pressed. This low-power mode is precisely what allows for this supplementary Wake-On-Lan feature that this article is all about. But keep in mind that a turned off computer is not actually completely off – it’s actually maintained into a very low power mode.Ī lower power mode means that the computer maintains access to a power source while it is turned ‘off’. The Wake-on-LAN technology (abbreviated WoL) is the industry standard for waking up turned off computers. Here’s just how it works, how to enable it and what program to use to set it up. Do you like the idea of having the ability to turn on your computer from miles away without pushing the power button? If this is something you’d like to implement, you’re in luck – Wake-on-Lan is a technology that will enable you to do just that.
