WakeOnLAN

Wake-on-LAN or WoL, is a now-common protocol that helps a user power on an out-of-reach computer via another machine. Nowadays, most network cards or motherboards support WoL by default, not the case with older rigs. For earlier builds, WakeOnLAN — a lightweight CMD-based tool — might help you with your remote needs.

This command-line utility uses what's called a "Magic Packet",  the element required for powering the targeted computer. For the process to be successful, both machines should be connected to the same LAN or, at least, to be located on different LAN segments.

From a hardware point of view, the most important requirement would be the ATX motherboard with an onboard, 3-pin “WOL” connector. If you've got this one covered, you just have to make sure that the WoL protocol is enabled in both BIOS and Windows.

Setting up the packet seems to require a bit of patience and attention. Few requirements like Ethernet address, IP, and password of the targeted PC, are to be provided when configuring the Magic Packet. The information on how to achieve that can be found in detail, on the developer's page.

To conclude, WakeOnLAN looks like an obsolete utility, but as long as it works, it can still be useful for possible users with older rigs, that want to employ the use of the WoL protocol.

WakeOnLAN is part of these download collections: Wake-On-LAN Managers