
Setup of Wake-On-LAN
Step 1: Check if you want to use WakeOnLan over AirPort
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Note that WakeOnLan cannot be used to wake up computers connected via AirPort (WiFi, 802.11) only. This is not a limitation of WakeOnLan, but the WiFi standard simply doesn't support this (yet). You can, however, wake up Ethernet connected computers from a wireless one. If you wish to do this, click here to setup your AirPort Base Station accordingly.
Step 2: Check if your Mac can be woken up remotely
Make sure your Mac in one of the following models, which support to be woken up remotely (according to Apple):
- All Macintosh computers produced in 2003 or later
- Power Mac G5
- Power Mac G4 (Gigabit Ethernet) or later
- Power Mac G4 Cube (all models)
- PowerBook (FireWire) or later
- iBook (all models)
- iMac (Early 2001) or later
Step 3: Enable a Mac to be woken up
Open 'Energy Saver' in the 'System Preferences', select the 'Options' tab, and check the 'Wake the Ethernet network for administrator access'. Don't worry, this doesn't give anybody administrator or root access, it only allows other users to wake up your Mac via Ethernet.
NOTE: It is NOT possible to wake up computers connected via Airport (Wifi, 802.11) only. Computers need to be connected via Ethernet cable. This is not a limit of WakeOnLan, but the WiFi standard simply does not support any remote wake up feature. You can, however, wake up Ethernet based computers from a wireless Mac.
Step 4 (optional): Enable a Windows/Linux PC to be woken up
PC's running Windows or Linux can be woken up too. Please see their manuals for how to setup their Ethernet cards for remote wake up.