On 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. This new Add-In is amazing and works great with the Vail Refresh and the mobile Vail website!
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.
WakeOnLAN Features
- Manually add and delete PCs in your network by entering their MAC address
- WakeOnLAN Add-In is now in the “Computers and Backup” tab in the Dashboard
- Access WakeOnLAN over the web-interface from your WHS “Vail“ or SBS “Aurora“
- Mobile website allows you to wake up your computers from your mobile device
- Overview of available computers by MAC and IP address
- Status icons show a list of available WOL computers in your network
- Full Vail and Aurora integration
- Easy WakeOnLAN administration over the Dashboard
- WakeOnLAN Add-In checks for new versions of the WakeOnLAN Add-In
- Installation of WakeOnLAN Add-In Installation directly on the server
- Installation option for all clients within your Vail network
Download the beta Add-In at:
http://www.awieco.com/Products/WakeOnLan
Your Hardware and WakeOnLAN (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 WakeOnLAN (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 for WOL?
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 Remote Launcher, 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 recognizes, 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.
Updated Vail Refresh Interface
The new interface fits right in with the new Vail look!
New Manual Entry of Devices
This updated Add-In has the ability to add new devices not connected via the Launchpad. Sweet!
Add-In Download
- Version: 0.2.1 (Beta)
- Release-Date: 8/24/2010
- File Size: 1604 KB
AWIECO Download
Let’s see some video!
Video of Add-In Installation and Use
Go Mobile!
I can start my PC from my BlackBerry. How cool is that?
Conclusion
Once the Add-In is installed, and you have set your PCs to accept the WOL signal, the Add-In performs great! Andrew Edney and I use the WOL function on my network daily and have been waiting for AWIECO to update and port the Add-In for the Vail Refresh.
We had no idea that AWIECO would have it updated so fast!
A special thank you to Andreas for all of the help getting it set up and running!
Tim
Very nicely done!
Thank you Tim!
AWIECO – home server solutions