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Windows 7 Pro Computer won't wake on LAN via Magic Packet from outside network

Windows 7 Pro Computer won't wake on LAN via Magic Packet from outside network

I just purchased a new computer running Windows 7 Professional x64. I'd like to save power by having it sleep after an hour, but I would also like to be able to Remote Desktop into it at my leisure.

Asked by: Guest | Views: 333
Total answers/comments: 2
Guest [Entry]

"Your router needs to be configured to accept and forward these packets. Unless you do that, there is no way for traffic to get from the outside to your sleeping computer on the inside.

Whether to actually do it or not is up to you. Forwarding traffic has some inherent risks.

Basic Steps:

Forward UPD port 7 or 9 to the IP of the desired WOL computer. Which port you need to use will depend on the WOL client you are using. If the client allows it, you could probably get away with any random, high-numbered port.
If you are on multiple private networks, you may need to add a static ARP entry of your WOL computer with FF:FF:FF:FF:FF:FF for the MAC. That should allow it to forward between switches.

The other thing you could do, is to install DD-WRT on your router if it is compatible. This would allow you to use the router as a WOL client, and you could simply telnet into it and issue the appropriate commands.

Great document from DD-WRT, (and where I found all this info) ==> DD-WRT WOL Page"
Guest [Entry]

"I would guess that your router / NAT box is blocking the magic packet. The magic packet has to be addressed to the broadcast address, your NAT box will either block it, or if you have a port forward you may have sent it to the specific address not the broadcast address. If this is the case then you could try changing the port forward so it sends to your LAN's broadcast address.

I woudn't be suprised though if you just can't make your home router forward the magic packet correctly. If this is the case then you will need some form of always on helper on your LAN. That could be your router if you can change its firmware to something that supports this, or a smaller PC that you can leave always on. You could even get/write a small app that could run on the always on PC, listening for a specific command and when it recieves it, it could send the correct magic packet for you."