Wake-on-LAN available over WiFi these days? My backup needs it.

[Pofadda]

My wife's Samsung NP300 laptop is supposed to backup to an always-on machine twice a week but, no matter what time it is scheduled for, there is a chance that the lappie will be asleep... My clever solution is to have the backup machine send a WoL packet to wake the laptop up before the scheduled time. I read that WoL doesn't work over WiFi (her only possible connection) - is this REALLY so (he pleaded)? If not, how can do this?

 

If it is impossible, can you think of another way to automatically jolt it into life?

[KenB]

Hi and welcome to ExTS

 

I have not tried this myself but the more I read about the subject the more confused I get :)

 

Some of the things I found:

 

1. It is only possible if your network adapter supports it.

 

2. If you follow the process ( below ) and the option to enable is greyed out - it is not supported.

 

3. Some said quite categorically that it is NOT possible.

 

• Start > type in ......regedit ....ENTER
  
• Path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\NativeWifiP\Parameters
  
• Value: 1
  
• ( to set this click on the Default in the right panel > Edit [ toolbar ] > Modify
  

In addition to modifying this registry key, you must also configure the network device in the Device Manager.

• Open Device Manager. ( start > type in ...devmgmt.msc ....ENTER )
  
• Right-click the network card you want to configure and select Device Properties.
  
• In the Power Management tab, select the Allow this device to wake up the computer check box.
  

You may need to alter your Power Management settings from Control Panel.

 

Also there may be a setting in the BIOS that needs to be altered.

 

I would be interested to hear if this works :)

[Pofadda]

Many thanks for that! I hadn't come across the Reg. setting which gave hope... until I actually looked at the Dev. Man. and found 'Wake' greyed out for the WiFi card.

 

Under Control Panel-Power Options, I found change-change advanced-Sleep-'Allow timed wake' (on the Samsung (W7) but not on a Packard Bell (Vista)) and will be testing with this.

 

More news after tests.

[KenB]

Keep us informed -

'Wake' greyed out for the WiFi card.

 

It doesn't look hopeful.