Wake-on-LAN prerequisites
Wake-on-LAN (WoL) behavior depends on hardware, firmware, and network configuration, so test the process in your environment before deploying it in production. Make sure your environment meets all the following prerequisites.
Only Windows agents support Wake-on-LAN.
Agent requirements
The agent selected in the Take Control UI broadcasts the WoL magic packet on its local network.
- Ensure the latest supported version of the Take Control agent (5.95 or later) is installed.
- At least one Take Control agent must be online on the same local network as the computer you want to wake.
- The broadcasting agent must use a wired Ethernet connection for maximum compatibility.
Some wireless adapters and drivers do not support WoL reliably.
Target device requirements
The device you want to wake must meet these conditions:
- The Network Interface Card (NIC) supports WoL.
- WoL is enabled in the BIOS/UEFI settings.
This option may appear under different names, such as Wake on LAN or Resume from PCI Device.
Some devices (such as laptops) may support WoL only when connected to AC power, or may not support it at all.
Network and infrastructure requirements
WoL depends on network broadcast traffic:
- Network devices such as routers and switches must support WoL and allow broadcast traffic.
- VLANs, firewall rules, or other restrictions must allow broadcast traffic and magic packets.
What do you want to do?