WakeOnes

WakeOnes is a term used to describe a specific type of computer hardware feature that allows a computer to be powered on remotely over a network. This capability is typically enabled through the motherboard's BIOS or UEFI settings and requires a compatible network interface card (NIC). When a computer is in a low-power state, such as sleep or hibernation, a WakeOnes-enabled NIC can listen for a specially crafted network packet, often referred to as a "magic packet." Upon receiving this packet, the NIC signals the motherboard to initiate the power-on sequence, effectively waking the computer from its dormant state.

The primary use case for WakeOnes is to manage and access computers that are not physically located nearby, such as servers in a data center or personal computers at home that are powered off. This allows for remote administration, software updates, or even the initiation of computing tasks without the need for manual intervention at the computer's location. The implementation and configuration of WakeOnes can vary between motherboard manufacturers and NIC vendors, but the core principle of network-based power-on remains consistent. Security considerations are important when enabling WakeOnes, as unauthorized users could potentially power on a system if the network is compromised.