> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://notes.lcsrg.me/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://notes.lcsrg.me/home-setup/remote-access/turn-on-off-remote-computer.md).

# Turn on a remote computer

I have a machine that I use to do lot of work. However, I want to avoid having it on 24/7. Hence, sometiems I need to turn it on remotely to start working

#### Guide

To turn on your computer remotely, you need to be in the same network and then use the protocol "Wake-on-Lan." Read below for a step-by-step guide.

1. **Be in the same network**. I recommend having a Raspberry Pi on 24/7, which you can SSH into anytime. Alternatively, you can use a VPN to connect to your network (also via a Raspberry Pi).
2. **SSH into the Raspberry**
3. **Create a directory for managing this operation**. &#x20;

```bash
# use wake on lan
mkdir remote_on
```

4. **Find out the MAC address of your computer.** You can do it. Then save it in file `MAC_ADDR`:

```bash
# use wake on lan
cd remote_on
echo "..." > MAC_ADDR
```

5. **If not available, install a client to use Wake-on-Lan**. I use [etherwake](https://linux.die.net/man/8/ether-wake).
6. **Draft a script to do the job**

```bash
# use wake on lan
MAC_FILE="$(dirname "$0")/MAC_ADDR"
etherwake -i eth0 "$(cat "$MAC_FILE")"
```

7. Make the script executable

```bash
chmod +x /home/pi/remote_on/script.sh
```

8. Add an alias to your `.bashrc` like:

```bash
alias turnon='sudo /home/pi/remote_on/script.sh'
```

***

{% hint style="info" %}
[Main reference](https://serverfault.com/questions/266118/turn-on-a-linux-machine-remotely/266181#266181)

\
Wake on Lan:

* [Arch guide](https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Wake-on-LAN#Enable_WoL_on_the_network_adapter) (**Note**: on TUF B550M ASUS bios ([manual](https://dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/misc/Manual/PRIME_TUF_GAMING_B550_Series_BIOS_EM_WEB_EN.pdf), pg. 31), enable option “Power On By PCI-E”)
* [Problem solving](mailto:undefined)
  {% endhint %}


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://notes.lcsrg.me/home-setup/remote-access/turn-on-off-remote-computer.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
