Configure Wake-on-LAN¶

Wake-on-LAN lets you turn on a remote computer that’s connected to the internet via a LAN cable (hence the name). This method works on most devices, but you’ll need to configure your device in advance.

How does it work?¶

Wake-on-LAN (WOL) is a standard protocol for remotely waking up computers that are in a low-power state (powered off but still connected to electricity).

Here’s how it works:

The network card in your computer can stay active and listen for incoming data packets even when the computer is turned off. If it receives a special data packet called a Magic Packet, it sends a signal to the motherboard to power the computer back on.
The Getscreen.me server can send this Magic Packet on your request from your personal account. For the signal to reach your computer, you first need to configure both the device and its network environment.

Device setup¶

First, you need to prepare the device so that, even when powered off, it can still listen for network packets.

Internet connection via LAN cable¶

The computer must use a network card connected with a physical Ethernet (LAN) cable.

Enabling WOL in BIOS¶

In the BIOS settings, find the Wake-on-LAN option and enable it:

How do I enter the BIOS?

To open the BIOS, press keys such as F1, F2, F11, Escape, or Delete right after turning on the device. The exact key combination depends on the manufacturer and BIOS version. Look up the correct option for your model in Google or ChatGPT .

Can’t find the Wake-on-LAN option?

Different motherboard manufacturers may use different names for WOL (Aggressive Link, ErP, PME). Search for the exact option name for your BIOS version in Google or ChatGPT .

Enabling WOL in Device Manager¶

Go to Windows settings and open Device Manager. Under Network adapters, select the one connected to the Ethernet cable.

Right-click the adapter. In the new window, go to the Advanced tab and find the option Wake on Magic Packet. Make sure it’s enabled.

Next, go to the Power Management tab and allow the device to wake the computer from sleep using a Magic Packet.

Your computer is now ready for remote wake-up, even when powered off.

Other operating systems

Wake-on-LAN is also available for Linux and macOS. Use Google or ChatGPT to find instructions on preparing the network card to receive Magic Packets.

Network setup¶

The Getscreen.me server (hereafter, the Server) will send the Magic Packet on your request from your account. To maximize delivery success, several methods are used.

Dedicated IP address¶

The Server will send the wake-up command to the IP address where the device was last available. If your computer has a dedicated/public IP, this guarantees delivery and successful wake-up.

How do I get a dedicated IP address?

This is a paid service usually used for servers. To get one, contact your internet provider.

Online agent in your subnet¶

The Server looks for running agent programs online in the same local network as the target device. If such “neighbor” devices are found, the Server asks them to send the wake-up command. This works if your local network settings allow communication between devices.

Online gateway in your subnet¶

The Server can also use a gateway you’ve installed in your local network (kept online). The principle is the same as with agents.

Where can I get the gateway?

You can download it and find installation instructions in the settings section of your account. Gateways are available for both Windows and Linux.

Custom IP address and port¶

The Server can send the wake-up command to a custom IP address and port. You can configure this individually for each device.

Where do I get a custom IP and port?

This method is for advanced users who can set up a public IP within the device’s subnet and configure port forwarding, so the traffic is routed to the correct machine.

Waking up the device¶

This is the process where the Getscreen.me server sends a Magic Packet to your offline device from the Permanent Access section.

You can request the server to do this by running the Wake-on-LAN command. This function is only available for offline devices.