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"The Difference Between Remote Access and Remote Desktop Software"
Learn or rehearse the key differences between remote access and remote desktop software. Discover which solution is right for IT support, remote work, or server maintenance..
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Why Wake-on-LAN?
With wake-on-LAN, you can remotely wake up a sleeping or powered-down computer with just a few clicks. Whether you're an IT administrator maintaining multiple systems, a remote worker accessing your office PC, or a business owner optimizing power consumption, WoL is a highly valuable tool.
However, WoL alone is not enough. Traditional wake-on-LAN tools often require complicated setup, insecure open ports and lack built-in remote access features. Hence why businesses and IT admins need an integrated solution combining secure remote wake-up with seamless remote access.
TSplus Remote Support is one such solution, making the process effortless. In fact, it allows you to wake up and securely connect to your remote computers without complex configurations or security risks. Read on to find out more.
Understanding Wake-on-LAN
Wake-on-LAN (WoL) - Definition
Wake-on-LAN (WoL) is a networking technology which allows a computer to be remotely powered on or awakened from sleep/hibernation mode by sending a special network signal known as a Magic Packet. This packet contains the unique MAC address of the target computer’s network adapter. Your system can be enabled so that, upon detecting this packet, the network card will signal the motherboard to wake up the system. This feature is useful for IT administrators, remote workers, and home users who need to turn on a computer without physically accessing it.
How Can WoL Wake a Remote Computers from Sleep
In a nutshell, when the various pieces of the wake-on-LAN puzzle are in place, the “remote” computer is set up to receive the message to switch on or raise from sleep (as though someone had flicked the on/off button). For wake-on-LAN to function, a few key components must be in place:
1. A Network Adapter that Supports WoL:
The target computer must be connected to a wired Ethernet network (WoL over Wi-Fi is rare and not always supported).
2. A BIOS/UEFI Setting to Enable WoL:
The motherboard firmware must allow wake signals from the network, therefore the BIOS/UEFI and network adapter must have WoL enabled.
3. A WoL Magic Packet Sender:
A remote device must send a Magic Packet containing the computer’s MAC address to trigger wake-up. The Magic Packet (a data frame containing the target device's MAC address) is sent over the network.
4. A Properly Configured Operating System:
The OS must permit network activity in sleep mode as well as wake-up requests. Then, so long as wake-on-LAN is enabled, the computer detects the packet and powers on.
While WoL is widely used in enterprise environments, it is particularly useful for any users who need to access their home or work PCs remotely without keeping them powered on all the time.
Why Wake Up a Computer from Sleep - Wake-on-LAN Use Cases
- Remote Access: You can use WoL to turn on your home or work PC from another location.
- IT Management: System administrators can wake computers for updates and maintenance.
- Power Saving: Computers can be put to sleep to save energy and only be powered on when needed.
- Gaming & Media Servers: WoL will wake up a server remotely before using it.
Limitations of Wake-on-LAN
In spite of its usefulness, WoL has a few limitations and requirements:
- Requires Power to the Network Adapter – If the PC is completely powered off (not just in sleep/hibernate mode), WoL might not work. (NB: In sleep mode, the NIC remains active.)
- Works Best on Wired Connections – Most Wi-Fi adapters do not support wake-on-LAN.
- Needs Proper Network Configuration – Routers and firewalls must be set up to allow the WoL packet to reach the target computer. This includes router port forwarding if waking a PC over the internet.
- Some ISPs block WoL packets for remote waking.
Related Technologies
Wake-on-WAN:
A variation that allows WoL to work over the internet.
Remote Desktop (RDP):
Often used with WoL to access the computer after waking it up.
Now that we are certain of the basics, let’s move on to enabling wake-on-LAN on your system.
Why Wake-on-LAN Alone Is Not Enough
Wake-on-LAN allows users to remotely wake a computer using a Magic Packet—a network signal that tells the system to power on. While useful, traditional WoL tools present several challenges:
- Complicated Setup: WoL requires BIOS configuration, network adapter tweaks, and manual router adjustments.
- Security Risks: Exposing WoL over the internet (Wake-on-WAN) requires opening ports, increasing the risk of unauthorized access.
- No Built-in Remote Access: Even after waking up a PC, you still need a separate tool to access and control it.
Solution: TSplus Remote Support
This is where TSplus Remote Access changes the game. Unlike traditional WoL solutions, TSplus integrates remote wake-up with secure, seamless access, eliminating unnecessary steps while ensuring full security.
TSplus Remote Support: A Smarter Way to Wake & Connect
Wake & Connect in One Click
Firstly, instead of juggling multiple tools, TSplus lets you wake up and access your remote workstation through one single secure platform.
- TSplus Remote Support Console – Start your session in your browser, even if your PC is asleep.
- Integrated Wake-on-LAN – The system automatically wakes the remote device when needed.
- Seamless Remote Connection – Securely access your workstation with encrypted RDP in just one step.
Consequently, no need for third-party WoL tools, complicated router settings or unsecured ports. TSplus makes remote wake-up effortless.
Securing Remote Wake-Up with TSplus Advanced Security
Secondly, opening ports for wake-on-WAN can expose your network to cyber threats like brute-force attacks, malware and unauthorized access.
- Exposure of Traditional WoL Setup: Open UDP ports (9 or 7) can be exploited by attackers.
- Firewall Vulnerabilities: Standard Wake-on-LAN tools lack security protection.
Solution: TSplus Advanced Security
- Brute-Force Protection: Blocks unauthorized access attempts before they reach your remote system.
- IP Address Filtering: Allows only authorized devices to send Wake-on-LAN requests.
- Ransomware Protection: Ensures that remote wake-ups happen in a secure environment.
Therefore, rather than leaving your network exposed, TSplus Advanced Security lets you wake and access remote computers without risk.
Ready to secure your remote wake-up process? TSplus Advanced Security is available for a full 15-day trial today as part of the TSplus software suite!
How to Set Up Secure Wake-on-LAN with TSplus
Step 1: Enable Wake-on-LAN in BIOS & Windows
- Enter BIOS/UEFI and enable Wake-on-LAN.
- In Windows Device Manager, enable Wake on Magic Packet.
Step 2: Use TSplus Remote Support to Wake & Connect
o Log in to TSplus Remote Support.
o Select your remote workstation and connect.
o Set up WoL (and Unattended) with that remote workstation.
o Wake & Connect automatically whenever necessary from your TSplus Remote Support console. Connecting wakes the PC and establishes a secure session.
No need for manual Magic Packets. No complex port forwarding. Just seamless remote control. Experience this for yourself! Start a free trial of TSplus Remote Support.
TSplus Remote Support Free Trial
Cost-effective Attended and Unattended Remote Assistance from/to macOS and Windows PCs.
TSplus: The Ultimate All-in-One Remote Work Solution
Why Businesses Choose TSplus Over Other Remote Access Tools
- All-in-One Solution – No need for separate WoL software, remote desktop tools and security addons. TSplus does it all.
- Enterprise-Grade Security – Protects against brute-force attacks, ransomware and unauthorized wake-ups.
- Scalable & Cost-Effective – Supports multiple users and remote offices at a fraction of the cost of competitors.
- Web-Based Remote Access – Wake and connect from any device, anywhere, without installing extra software.
Global IT admins, remote teams and businesses trust TSplus for a seamless, secure remote work experience.
Join thousands of businesses worldwide using and selling TSplus today!
Comparison Table: Wake-on-LAN Tools vs. TSplus Remote Support
To showcase the advantages of TSplus Remote Support, and the TSplus software suite as a whole, over traditional Wake-on-LAN tools, I hope this comparison table will finish highlighting the added value of TSplus:
| Feature | Traditional Wake-on-LAN Tools | TSplus Remote Access |
|---|---|---|
| Wake Remote PCs | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Secure Connection | ❌ No (Requires port forwarding, insecure over WAN) | ✅ Yes (Encrypted RDP & HTTPS) |
| 2FA | ❌ No (Third-party software) | ✅ Yes (Fully Integrated add-on) |
| Multi-User Remote Access | ❌ No (Only wakes one device at a time) | ✅ Yes (Multiple users can log in securely) |
| Built-in Web Portal for Easy Access | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Browser-based remote access) |
| Firewall Protection & Security | ❌ No (Ports remain open, increasing risk) | ✅ Yes (TSplus Advanced Security prevents unauthorized wake-ups) |
| Supports Wake-on-WAN (Over Internet) | ⚠️ Limited (Requires DDNS & complex router config) | ✅ Yes (Can be combined with TSplus Gateway & Advanced Security, and even a VPN) |
| User-Friendly Interface | ❌ No (Command-line tools or third-party software) | ✅ Yes (Intuitive admin dashboard, Full or Lite) |
| Session Management & Load Balancing | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (For enterprise scalability) |
| Multi-platform & Cross-OS Compatible | ❌ No (Extra Fees when available) | ✅ Yes (Windows, macOS, Android) |
| VPN Alternative for Secure Wake-ups | ❌ No (Requires third-party VPN) | ❌ No (TSplus can integrate with existing VPNs) |
| Easy Deployment for Businesses | ❌ No (IT-intensive setup) | ✅ Yes (Quick installation, cloud-ready) |
| Scalable for Business Needs | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Supports multiple users, sessions, and devices) |
Key Takeaway:
While traditional Wake-on-LAN solutions only allow you to wake a sleeping PC, TSplus provides a secure, scalable and all-in-one solution for managing remote access with built-in security and web portal capabilities.
Now, in the final section, we will explore specifically what makes Wake-on-LAN essential for IT teams, remote workers and businesses using TSplus solutions.
How to Wake Up Remote Computers from Sleep - Conclusion
Wake-on-LAN is an essential tool for businesses and professionals who need remote access to their workstations and servers. With proper setup, it allows users to wake their PCs locally or over the internet, eliminating the need for unnecessary power consumption and physical intervention.
Key Takeaways:
WoL enables remote wake-up of sleeping computers using a Magic Packet. Proper setup in BIOS, Windows settings and network configurations is required. Wake-on-WAN allows wake-up over the internet but requires port forwarding or a VPN. Alternative methods include TSplus Remote Support and smart power switches. TSplus solutions offer a reliable way to manage remote access and control securely and efficiently.
Ready to step-up your remote work setup?
Try TSplus Remote Support today and experience secure, hassle-free remote connections!
