Yesterday, August 24, 2010, Awieco released a beta of their updated WakeOnLAN Add-In for Windows Home Server code name Vail Beta Refresh. This Add-In is an updated Beta for the new Vail Refresh and has some new features and a slightly different interface. I know that Andrew and I are very excited to be able to test this new beta Add-In since he and I used the first WOL version daily for site maintenance and upgrades!
WakeOnLAN Add-in
In simple terms, this Add-In allows you to remotely turn on PCs via the Wake On LAN (WOL) feature supported by most modern desktop computers.
The Add-In is now under the Computers and Backup icon and has a new tab for waking up, managing and removing devices.
Download the beta Add-In at:
http://www.awieco.com/Products/WakeOnLan
Your Hardware and Wake-On-LAN (WOL)
WOL is a function of your BIOS and the network interface, and not OS dependent. This means that the WOL function is built into the motherboard and can work on virtually any operating system. Most modern PCs can support WOL if the network controller is embedded in the motherboard. Check with your manufacturer to see if your PC supports WOL.
Your Software and Wake-On-LAN (WOL)
Once your system receives a magic packet (the signal to power up that contains the MAC address of the PC that is sent network wide) and has been powered up, the operating system then takes over.
You must set your OS up first to enable WOL (usually disabled at factory) and start your computer after the Add-In has been installed. The Add-In needs to find the MAC address of each machine on your network that is “connected” to the Vail server.
The Add-In will not find MAC addresses of PCs not using the Vail connector software. To allow for non-connected PCs, Awieco has added a function that allows you to manually input MAC addresses of those PCs not connected to Vail.
How Do I Set My PC?
To see how to set up Windows 7 and your PC for the WOL check out our prior article and a video that Diehard and I did back in June!
https://moviesgamesandtech.com/2010/06/28/vail-add-in-review-awieco-wakeonlan-video-edition/
Awieco Press Release
The Press Release directly from the Awieco website:
AWIECO WakeOnLAN
If you have installed AWIECO RemoteLauncher, please make an update before installing a second add-in. The AWIECO WakeOnLAN add-in for Windows Home Server “Vail” Refresh and Small Business Server “Aurora“ is a free and useful add-in, which has the ability to turn on a computer remotely. It enables the Server to start up every computer attached to your network. The gadget on the WHS or SBS web-interface shows a list of all available and connected computers within your network and provides the possibility to start them up from any location inside your network or via internet, by just one mouse click. You can add further computer to your network manually by entering the MAC address or even delete them. The add-in automatically recognises, if a computer is already turned on or if it is booting up.
When the remote network adapter receives a “Magic Packet” created for it‘s unique MAC address, the network adapter alerts the computer to power on, which is comparable with the manual pressing oft the power button. When the computer is shut down, its network adapter is still receiving power, and waiting to receive a “Magic Packet“ within the network. A requirement for this function is the wake on LAN support of your network adapter and the enabled wake on LAN option in the computer’s BIOS settings.
Please try the Add-In and test this cool Beta!
Tim
Thanks Tim – yeah, its a fantastic add-in that is really easy to use and configure!
Well, I say that, you did all the work, I just used it 🙂
Andrew
I know, and HTPC3 has been lonely the last week. In the mornings now I walk out to a quiet garage now and no blinking HDD light!
A big thank you to Andreas at Awieco for porting the WakeOnLAN Add-In so quickly for the Vail Refresh!