Adventures With "Wake On LAN"; A Small Project

HI All,
Typically, I use three computers in my house, two laptops (CF-29 and Dell Latitude) and a home made Vista Utimate based desktop. They talk to each other via a wireless network using a DSL/wireless gateway. I have three shared printers connected to the main machine. In order to print from the laptops, the main machine must be turned on and not in the Sleep mode. Usually, when I'm away from the main machine for any length of time, I place it in the Sleep mode. This presents a convenience issue if I'm working on a laptop remotely somewhere in the house or garage and I want to print. I can't do it unless I manually wake up the main machine.

Certainly, this is not the end of the world but it is irritating. I decided to try to fix this "problem". I did not know that I might be the only person in the world that does not know about "Wake On LAN". It operates by the remote machine outputting a special "Magic Packet" network message which, when received by the main machines network adaptor, wakes the computer up. Researching on the WEB, it turns out that this feature is built into my main machine, and most recent motherboards and BIOS'. All I had to do was make some adjustments and install some software in my laptops. This would allow me to wake the main computer remotely from the laptops and then perform any network function such as printing or file sharing or synchronization. Ah Ha, the solution was at hand!

To research this, Google "Wake On LAN". You will find many hits. The software necessary to implement this on your remote computer is available, often free. In some cases, the programs are compatable with the Windows GUI and can be run from the desktop. It is not necessary to install any software on the main computer end. However, there are some computer configurations that require more work. You need to research you machine. On my machine, with its integrated network adaptor, once I figured out what to do, the rest was easy.

Main Computer: To get this going I had to make a couple of adjustments on the main machine. First, I had to enable Wake on LAN in the BIOS Power options. Then, I went into the Device Manager > Network Adaptors. Right click on the adaptor. Select Properties > Power Management. Click "Wake On Magic Packet" then close out. Set the Wake mode to not require a password when the machine comes out of the Sleep mode. That's it, you are done with the main computer. Of course, your motherboard and BIOS may be different from mine. But, you get the idea.

Remote Computer: A "Magic Packet" is sent wirelessly from the remote computer to wake up the main computer by the software you will install. I downloaded Depicus (Thank you, Brian Slack) because it offered compatability with XP's GUI. It installed with no problems. I placed it on my desktop. You have to provide some network information to the program which is retained between uses. This info can be accessed if you run ipconfig/all from the Command Line processor on the main computer. Enter 7 in the Remote Port Number box. Once the data is entered, select Local Subnet from the Send Options. You are now ready to wake your main machine by clicking the Wake Me Up button.

The operation works and is very easy to operate. The response on the main machine was different than I expected. It did wake up but the monitor displayed a blank, dark screen but with a cursor. I was able to print from my remote computers. That was the goal. The desktop can be displayed by hitting any key or operating the mouse.

In other words, my WOL project is a success. The world will not end after all!!

Sparky

 

Sparky... Thanks for doing this write-up. I thought about doing this too as I have my 4-5 laptops all going to the desktop printer in the office. I built my own office PC too... twin 74GB, 10k Raptors in Raid 0 array and a once whopping 250GB hard drive. (Now stuffed) I used to keep it on 24/7 but with $600/mo electric bills... I was looking for a place to cut. I thought about the WOL project and mentioned it to a friend who said, "Wireless Print Server!"... Which is what I did. I love it as the desktop stays off pretty much unless my wife or I have stuff to do on it. At one time I had it set up so she could dial into her work and she could work from home if needed.

But is it good to have the info here.

Well done!

 

HI TB,
Yes, I looked at the wireless server solution. I think, overall, it may be the best way. But, there is a problem. I have 3 printers; a high speed HP Laserjet duplex B&W, an HP All-In-One inkjet which is also my page scanner, and my Epson high resolution photo printer. Each serves a different purpose. Each would have to be accomodated with a wireless server and a router. The WOL is essentially free and works well. It gives access to anything connected to my main machine as well as full bi-directional file sharing and all other network facilities. And it takes advantage of features already built into the main motherboard and OS.

I'm not promoting one technique over the other. One must look at the tradeoffs involved with their particular situation and decide the best way to proceed. There can be some complications with WOL when used with plug-in network cards. My network adaptor is integrated into the motherboard which makes this technique a piece of cake.

BTW, I never turn my main machine off. It is either working or asleep. Vista's sleep mode is much more reliable than XP's. Or maybe it is a better motherboard. Either way, my sleep mode works perfectly. If I'm away for more than a couple of days, I will turn the machine off.

Sparky

 

Hmmm... I have a D-Link print server that handles 4 USB printers... Works great.

 

HI TB,
Right. It has both server and router capability. That's what is needed.

Sparky