Frequently Asked Questions – WoL

WoL Frequently Asked Questions vr. 0.3

 

This document includes all important information regarding installation, first steps, change logs and frequently asked questions. Before contacting our support, please check this document and it’s content to find answer or information you are looking for.

 

Configuring your environment

Steps needed to configure your computer and router
– Hardware support
– First Steps
– BIOS Setup
– LAN Card Setup (Windows)
– Firewall Setup
– Router Port Forwarding
– Installing Windows plugin

 

In App questions

Questions found inside WoL application
– What is this – IP address or domain name
– What is this – MAC Address
– What is this – Port
– How can I change this – Port
– How do I add more devices?

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Configuration information
– What is my internal IP address?
– What is my external IP address?
– What is my card’s MAC address?
– How can I check if my plugin is working?

Functions and usage
– Will “Power ON” work without WOL supporting hardware?
– Will “Power OFF” work even if my hardware doesn’t support WOL?
– Will “Sleep” work even if my hardware doesn’t support WOL?
– Can I use “Power OFF” and “Sleep” function over WiFi connection?

 

 

Hardware support

Wake-on-LAN support is implemented on the motherboard (BIOS) of a computer and the network interface (firmware), and is consequently not dependent on the operating system (and NIC drivers) running on the hardware. Some operating systems can control Wake-on-LAN behaviour via hardware drivers. If the network interface is a plug-in card rather than being integrated into the motherboard, the card may need to be connected to the motherboard by an additional cable. Motherboards with an embedded Ethernet controller which supports Wake-on-LAN do not need a cable. The power supply must meet ATX 2.01 specifications.

Older motherboards must have a WAKEUP-LINK header onboard connected to the network card via a special 3-pin cable; however, systems supporting the PCI 2.2 standard and with a PCI 2.2 compliant network adapter card do not usually require a Wake-on-LAN cable as the required standby power is relayed through the PCI bus.

PCI version 2.2 supports PME (Power Management Events). PCI cards send and receive PME signals via the PCI socket directly, without the need for a Wake-on-LAN cable.

Wake-on-LAN usually needs to be enabled in the Power Management section of a PC motherboard’s BIOS setup utility, although on some systems, such as Apple computers, it is enabled by default. On older systems the bios setting may be referred to as “WOL”, on newer systems supporting PCI version 2.2, it may be referred to as “PME” (Power Management Events, which include WOL). It may also be necessary to configure the computer to reserve standby power for the network card when the system is shut down.

In addition, in order to get Wake-on-LAN to work it is sometimes required to enable this feature on the network interface card or on-board silicon. Details of how to do this depend upon the operating system and the device driver.

Laptops powered by the Intel Centrino Processor Technology or newer (with explicit BIOS support) allow waking up the machine using wireless Wake on Wireless LAN (WoWLAN).

In most modern PCs, ACPI is notified of the “waking up” and take control of the Power up. In ACPI, OSPM must record the “wake source” or the device that is causing the power-up. The device being the “Soft” power switch, the NIC (via Wake-on-LAN), the cover being opened, a temperature change, etc.

 

 

First Steps

Please note that although Wake On LAN is basic function in now days computers, some computer motherboards and some LAN Cards doesn’t support Wake On LAN. Refer to your Computer manufacturer or seller if you are not sure your hardware support this function.

Before you can start using WoL application you need to follow this few steps, to enable all the features on your personal computer and router. This document and screenshots are prepared on specific hardware, so your options may look a bit different than shown in screenshots.

 

 

Bios Setup

Not all LAN cards need BIOS setup, but since we can’t know what kind of card you are using, we’ll provide you with this steps, so you can’t miss any step needed to make WoL work. Usually OnBoard LAN cards have this step while PCI or other slot cards doesn’t.

Wake-on-LAN usually needs to be enabled in the Power Management section of a PC motherboard’s BIOS setup utility, although on some systems, such as Apple computers, it is enabled by default.

The name of this function varies depending on your BIOS. Typical names are:
- Wake up on Lan
- Power on by PME
- Power on by PCI
- Power on by PCIE
Check screenshots bellow to see other versions of BIOS using some more naming for WOL.

First thing you need to do is to enable features for Wake on LAN in your computer’s BIOS. Restart your computer and while computer starts press BIOS button, to get in to BIOS setup. BIOS button is usually F10 button or F2 button, depends on computer manufacturer. Screenshot is showing HP BIOS, your computer’s BIOS may look different.

 

While in BIOS look for “System configuration”. That is where you’ll find settings needed to enable Wake on LAN. Settings for WoL may be find under “Device Configuration” or under “Build-in Device Options” (like in our case).

 

There are two settings that must be enabled in BIOS for Wake on LAN to work. Turn “Wake on LAN” setting to “enable” or in our case “Follow Boot Order” and check that your Network LAN card is enabled (Network Interface Controller is set to “Enabled”).

 

 

LAN card setup (Windows)

In Windows you may need to do some changes for LAN card so that it will receive Magic packets that are sent trough i-Mentalist WoL application from your mobile device. Follow screenshots and description provided bellow. Not all LAN cards have this options and some may look a bit different. Screenshots and description provided are made on Windows 7 64bit with Intel Gigabit LAN card.

Open Control Panel

Click “Start” button and find “Control Panel” on the right side of the Start menu. Click it to open Control Panel!

 

Open Network and Sharing Center

In Control Panel find and open network settings. Under Windows 7 you will find them as “Network and Sharing Center”.

 

Change adapter settings

In Network and Sharing Center click on the “Change adapter settings” in the menu on the left side of window to go to adapters, where you’ll check settings under LAN controller.

 

Local Area Connection

Locate you Local Area Connection. If you are using more than one LAN cards in your computer make sure you’ll apply this settings to the right one, the one you are connected to the internet with. Right click on it and click on “Properties” to open LAN card properties, where we’ll change few settings.

 

LAN card Properties

Local Area Connection Properties window will open and you’ll see name of your LAN card at the top and information about connection types at the bottom. Connection types doesn’t have anything to do with Wake on LAN so we’ll click on “Configure” button right bellow our card’s name.

 

Wake on Settings

In Network Connection Properties window you need to click on Advanced tab and locate Wake on Settings. This are settings we need to enable for Magic packets since WoL application is using those for commands sent to your computer. Also make sure that you have Wake on Link Settings enabled and that your LAN card is ready to “Wait for Link”.

 

Power Management

Still in Network Connection Properties window, locate “Power Management” tab and check “Allow this device to wake the computer” and if available you can also check “Only allow a magic packet to wake the computer”. This settings will allow i-Mentalist WoL application to turn ON your computer on Magic packet. When done click “OK” to save the settings and exit.

 

 

Firewall setup

We don’t wanna disable firewall all together so that you can still be protected from threads. But we need to enable port 3002 (by default) so that i-Mentalist WoL application can deliver Magic packets to your computer. All Firewall programs have option to make a rule or in any other way enable specific port that you need. In our case we’ll make a rule in Windows Firewall since is the most used firewall program on computers running Windows operating system.

Open Windows Firewall by going to “Start” menu / Control Panel and click on Windows Firewall. Since Windows Firewall is using simple user interface with limited options we’ll need to open advanced view – Click on “Advanced settings” on the left side of Windows Firewall window. This will open new window with advance features of Windows Firewall.

 

In Windows Firewall with Advanced Security window click on “Inbound Rules” and the list of all rules will appear. On the Right side you’ll see “New Rule…” option and hat is what we are going to use to enable packets from i-Mentalist WoL application. Click on “New Rule…” to get started.

 

New Inbound Rule Wizard will appear and we need to select the type of rule we are creating. Our rule will allow only some port functions, that is why we need to check “Port” and click on Next.

 

Now we need to select if our rule apply to TCP or UDP. We’ll need both so we’ll make TCP first. Also on this screen we’ll specify our port. Default port for i-Mentalist WoL application is 3002 but in Classic and Pro version of i-Mentalist WoL you may specify your own port. Check “Specific Local Ports:” and input 3002 than click Next.

 

This is the part where we need to tell Windows Firewall what we would like to do with port selected on previous page. Check “Allow the connection” and click Next.

 

We need to specify the profiles for which our new rule will apply. Just check all three and click Next to go to the last screen where we’ll just select name for our rule.

 

Name your new rule with something like “WakeOnLanTCP” so that you’ll know what kind of rule it is. Also you may add a description to your rule. When done, click Finish.

 

Since we need TCP and UDP on selected port, we need to add another rule. First one was for TCP connection and this second one is for UDP. All steps are exactly the same. All you need to change is to select UDP port when asked (check screenshot on the left) and you’ll name this rule “WakeOnLanUDP” so that name will tell you that one rule is for TCP and other for UDP.

 

 

Router Port Forwarding

For i-Mentalist application to work properly when your PC is connected to a router, not directly to the internet, you need to forward port to a specific IP address inside your router’s network. This networks are usually inside this or similar IP ranges 192.168xxx.xxx or 127.1.xxx.xxx. To check your computer’s IP check “What is my internal IP address?” in “Frequently Asked Questions”.

There is a lot of different routers and we are unable to cower them all. This short instructions are made with Cisco router but since names of functions are similar in all routers it will help you set-up your router no matter what model or manufacturer router you are using.

 

First thing we need to login to our routers interface. Open your preferred browser and go to routers web address. Our router is using IP address 192.168.1.1 so we need to go to address http://192.168.1.1 and log in using username and password of router. If you don’t have username or password you may want to check manufacturers documentation.

 

When logged in go to “Applications & Gaming” tab, port forwarding is usually used for applications and games that uses specific ports to communicate with server side applications. Go to “Single Port Forwarding” tab. Input External and Internal port (default for both 3002). We need to forward TCP and UDP so you’ll need to select “Both” in Protocol. Input internal IP address of your computer, enable this rule and click “Save”.

 

 

Installing Windows plugin

Functions like “Power OFF” and “Sleep” require free Windows plugin to be installed. Remember that this functions work even if your hardware doesn’t support Wake on LAN. This plugin is provided on our WEB site and it’s free if you have a copy of i-Mentalist WoL.

Download installer from our website and double click on it. Installer window will guide you trough very simple installation. Just click “Next” on first screen and you’ll be able to select installation path (default path is already inserted) and click “Next” and “Install”.

 

Screen is showing you installation progress. While installing, application will start all needed services so that after installation is done you are ready to start using i-Mentalist WoL application. When installation is done, just click “Exit” to exit installer and you’re done!

 

 

What is this – IP address or domain name

IP address or domain name is information that’ll tell application where to go to get to your computer. In most cases this is external IP address. To get more help on external IP address follow “What is my external IP address?“.

 

 

What is this – MAC Address

MAC address is also known as Physical address. MAC address we are looking for is your LAN card Physical address (WLAN if you are using WiFi and only want to use plugin functions, without Power ON). To get more help on MAC address follow “What is my card’s MAC address?“.

 

 

What is this – Port

Port will tell i-Mentalist WoL application trough which door commands need to go to operate your LAN card (your computer). Default port for i-Mentalist WoL application is 3002, but you can change it if you would like to use specific port of your choice. To get more help on port forwarding check “Router Port Forwarding“.

 

 

How can I change this – Port

Port can be changed in i-Mentalist WoL Classic and Pro. in i-Mentalist WoL Lite you are not able to change port for your device. Changing port is important when you use multiple devices under one router and you would like to manage multiple computers inside your network. You can manage multiple computers with i-Mentalist WoL Pro or by using multiple WoL Classic clients on different mobile devices. This is useful when more people is using i-Mentalist WoL Application inside one network (office, company…). Check different versions of i-Mentalist WoL application.

 

 

How do I add more devices?

If you would like to manage more than one computer from i-Mentalist WoL you will need Pro version of application. Check different versions of i-Mentalist WoL application.

 

 

What is my internal IP address?

Internal IP address is the one you need when you are forwarding PORT on your router. There are more ways on how to get to this information. We are gonna show you two ways we think are most simple.

 

Getting internal IP in Network and Sharing Center

Maybe the easiest way to get internal IP address is by opening Network and Sharing Center (open Network and Sharing Center). Open Network and Sharing Center and you’ll see your current connections. Now you need to click on “Change adapter settings” to get to device you need IP from.

 

You can see all of your Network adapters in this window. Locate “Local Area Connection” (if you are using more LAN cards, the one connected to the internet is the right one). Right click on it and in shown menu select “Status”. if you don’t see Status option in menu, than you are not connected to this internet or this is not the right card.

 

Local Area Connection Status will open and you need to click on “Details…” button to get to the information you need. As you can see on the screenshot, marked (blue selection) field is your internal IP address (in our case this is 192.168.1.102).

 

Getting internal IP with Command Prompt

Command Prompt is something we can describe as DOS window inside Windows operating system (for those who still remember what DOS was). Command Prompt is usefull application that can show you a lot of information and the best part is that you already have it installed on your Windows computer. To start Command Prompt go to Start menu (as shown on screenshot) and type “cmd” (without quotes) in to Search field. Cmd.exe will appear as a result and you just need to press “enter” button for it to run.

 

Now you need to write a command that will return information you need. Input this command: “ipconfig /all” (without quotes) and press Enter.

 

Scroll down till you find “Ethernet Adapter Local Network Connection” and you’ll find all information about your LAN card. If you have more LAN cards installed in your PC you need to check the one that is connected to the internet. You can see that there is a lot of information about hardware and connection, but for us the most important information is IPv4 Address – That is our internal IP address. In case of our screenshot this address is 192.168.1.102.

 

 

What is my external IP address?

External IP address is important information you need when adding new computer to i-Mentalist WoL application on your mobile device. This is the address that your router use when connecting to outside world. We’ve been trough many ways to show you how to get it, but still… the easiest way is trough internet!

Open your preferred browser, go to google and search for “My IP” (without quotes). Result is shown in screenshot and that of course is our external IP. To make this even easier for you, you may wanna go to http://whatismyipaddress.com/ and you’ll see it with big blue numbers!

 

 

What is my card’s MAC address?

Your card’s MAC address is the one you need when you are adding new computer to i-Mentalist WoL application on your mobile device. There are more ways on how to get to this information. We are gonna show you few ways we think are most simple.

 

Getting MAC address in Network and Sharing Center

Maybe the easiest way to get MAC address is by opening Network and Sharing Center (open Network and Sharing Center). Open Network and Sharing Center and click on “Change adapter settings” to get to device you need MAC address from.

 

You can see all of your Network adapters in this window. Locate “Local Area Connection” (if you are using more LAN cards, the one connected to the internet is the right one). Right click on it and in shown menu select “Status”. if you don’t see Status option in menu, than you are not connected to this internet or this is not the right card.

 

Local Area Connection Status will open and you need to click on “Details…” button to get to the information you need. As you can see on the screenshot, marked (blue selection) field is your MAC address in Windows called “Physical address” (in our case this is 18-A9-05-94-58-59).

 

Getting MAC with Command Prompt (ipconfig)

Command Prompt is something we can describe as DOS window inside Windows operating system (for those who still remember what DOS was). Command Prompt is usefull application that can show you a lot of information and the best part is that you already have it installed on your Windows computer. To start Command Prompt go to Start menu (as shown on screenshot) and type “cmd” (without quotes) in to Search field. Cmd.exe will appear as a result and you just need to press “enter” button for it to run.

 

Now you need to write a command that will return information you need. Input this command: “ipconfig /all” (without quotes) and press Enter.

 

Scroll down till you find “Ethernet Adapter Local Network Connection” and you’ll find all information about your LAN card. If you have more LAN cards installed in your PC you need to check the one that is connected to the internet. You can see that there is a lot of information about hardware and connection, but for us the most important information is Physical Address – That is our needed MAC address. In case of our screenshot this address is 18-A9-05-94-58-59.

 

Getting MAC with Command Prompt (getmac)

You can use “getmac” command to get to MAC address of your LAN card. As shown on screenshot it’s hard to tell the right one if you are connected to the internet trough WiFi and LAN. But if you only use one connection on your computer, than the one with “Transport Name” is the right one.

 

Getting MAC address from router

One of ways to get MAC address you need is to check your router’s DHCP reservations. As you can see in screenshot all connected devices have their MAC address. Check the name of your device and you’ll know witch MAC address is the right one.

 

 

How can I check if my plugin is working?

If you have followed the instructions on how to install plugin for your computer (Windows plugin, MAC OS X plugin, Linux plugin) than plugin should be working. Anyway you may still wanna check if it really is there.

Open task Manager in Windows by right clicking empty space on taskbar (bottom line in windows) and select “Start Task Manager”. When Task Manager opens go to “Services” tab and find WakeOnLan.exe service in “Name” column. Than check if “Status” column says “Running” like in screenshot. That’s it! If service is running than you’ve installed your plugin correctly.

 

 

Will “Power ON” work without WOL supporting hardware?

Power ON function can only work on computers and devices with Wake on LAN support. That doesn’t mean that other functions (Power OFF and Sleep) doesn’t work. You need to install plugin for your computer and you can use other functions of i-Mentalist WoL application.

With i-Mentalist application you can also wake up (Power ON) other devices, not only computers! Any device that uses LAN to connect to internet and have Wake on LAN function can be powered ON with i-Mentalist application. You just need to get required information for it and set port as you would for computer.

 

 

Will “Power OFF” work even if my hardware doesn’t support WOL?

Yes, it will work! Not only that… Since this functions are related to installed plugin and not supported hardware, you can even use your WiFi to “Power OFF” your device or put it to “Sleep”. Just insert needed information in i-Mentalist WoL application and you are ready to go! But this time you will need MAC address of your WiFi card and WiFi internal IP will need to be forwarded on router.

 

 

Will “Sleep” work even if my hardware doesn’t support WOL?

Yes, it will work! Not only that… Since this functions are related to installed plugin and not supported hardware, you can even use your WiFi to “Power OFF” your device or put it to “Sleep”. Just insert needed information in i-Mentalist WoL application and you are ready to go! But this time you will need MAC address of your WiFi card and WiFi internal IP will need to be forwarded on router.

 

 

Can I use “Power OFF” and “Sleep” function over WiFi connection?

You can! Since this functions are related to installed plugin and not supported hardware, you can use your WiFi to “Power OFF” your device or put it to “Sleep”. Just insert needed information in i-Mentalist WoL application and you are ready to go! But this time you will need MAC address of your WiFi card and WiFi internal IP will need to be forwarded on router.