Wake on Lan Python Script

Wake-on-LAN Python Script

This document provides an overview of a Python script that uses the Wake-on-LAN protocol to wake up a computer over a network.

Introduction

Wake-on-LAN (WoL) is an Ethernet or Token Ring computer networking standard that allows a computer to be turned on or awakened by a network message. The message is usually sent to the target computer by a program executed on a device connected to the same local area network, such as a smartphone.

Python Script

Here’s a Python script that implements the Wake-on-LAN protocol:

import socket
import struct

def wake_on_lan(macaddress):
    """ Switches on remote computers using WOL. """

    # Check macaddress format and try to compensate.
    if len(macaddress) == 12:
        pass
    elif len(macaddress) == 12 + 5:
        sep = macaddress[2]
        macaddress = macaddress.replace(sep, '')
    else:
        raise ValueError('Incorrect MAC address format')

    # Pad the synchronization stream.
    data = ''.join(['FFFFFFFFFFFF', macaddress * 20])
    send_data = b''

    # Split up the hex values and pack.
    for i in range(0, len(data), 2):
        send_data = b''.join([send_data, struct.pack('B', int(data[i: i + 2], 16))])

    # Broadcast it to the LAN.
    sock = socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, socket.SOCK_DGRAM)
    sock.setsockopt(socket.SOL_SOCKET, socket.SO_BROADCAST, 1)
    sock.sendto(send_data, ('<broadcast>', 7))

# Example use
wake_on_lan('01-23-45-67-89-AB')

Usage

To use this script, replace ‘01-23-45-67-89-AB’ with the MAC address of the device you want to wake up. Then, run the script on a device connected to the same network as the target computer.

Requirements

The target computer must be configured to accept Wake-on-LAN packets. This setting is usually found in the BIOS or UEFI settings of the computer.

Note

This script should be run in the same local network as the target computer. If you’re trying to wake a computer over the internet, you might need to set up port forwarding on your router. Always ensure you’re following good security practices when modifying network settings.