Glossary A–ZLetter W
Wake-on-LAN
Wake-on-LAN is a method of switching on a device that is off or asleep over the network, by sending it a special data packet known as the magic packet.
The network interface stays active on low power for this purpose.
In screen networks, a player or server uses it to wake a mini PC or a networked display at switch-on time, or to bring a device back after it has been switched off overnight. The packet contains the target device’s hardware address (MAC address). Wake-on-LAN must be enabled in the computer’s firmware settings or in the display’s menu.
The magic packet is normally only distributed within the local network segment; across routers and the internet, a device on site is needed to send it, or special network settings. Over wireless LAN it often does not work, or only to a limited extent. Not every device supports it in every off state, and it cannot wake a device that has no power. It should be tested on the specific model before a rollout. Standby power consumption may be higher with Wake-on-LAN enabled.