Wake-on-LAN - Remote Computer Activation

Project Overview

SweetSoft developed a native iOS application enabling users to remotely activate their Mac or PC computers using an iPhone or iPad through Wake-on-LAN technology. The application provides a simple, practical tool for network management, allowing users to wake up devices on their local area network knowing just the MAC address. The solution addresses a common need among IT professionals and tech-savvy users who want to remotely start their computers without physical access.

Challenges

• Network Protocol Implementation: Implementing the Wake-on-LAN Ethernet and token ring networking standard
• Cross-Platform Support: Enabling wake-up functionality for both Mac and PC computers
• Simplicity: Creating an intuitive interface for a technical networking feature
• MAC Address Management: Building user-friendly MAC address input and storage
• Network Discovery: Helping users identify and manage multiple devices
• Reliability: Ensuring wake-up packets reach target devices consistently
• User Experience: Making a technical networking tool accessible to non-technical users
• Device Management: Organizing and saving multiple computer configurations

Our Solution

We built a lightweight, native iOS application that simplifies the Wake-on-LAN process, making remote computer activation accessible through an intuitive mobile interface.

Key Features

Remote Activation:

• Wake-on-LAN Support: Send specialized network messages to activate computers remotely
• Cross-Platform: Wake up both Mac and PC computers from iOS devices
• MAC Address Based: Control devices using only their MAC addresses
• Network Broadcast: Broadcast wake-up packets across local network
• Multiple Devices: Support for managing and waking multiple computers

Device Management:

• Device Profiles: Save computer configurations with names and MAC addresses
• Quick Access: One-tap wake-up for frequently used devices
• Device Organization: Manage multiple computers in organized lists
• Edit Capabilities: Update device information as needed

User Interface:

• Simple Design: Intuitive interface requiring minimal technical knowledge
• Quick Setup: Easy device addition with MAC address input
• Status Feedback: Visual confirmation of wake-up packet transmission
• Native iOS Experience: Follows iOS design guidelines for familiar interaction

Technical Highlights

• Native iOS development for optimal performance
• Wake-on-LAN protocol implementation (Ethernet and token ring standards)
• Magic packet generation and transmission
• UDP (User Datagram Protocol) for network communication
• Local network discovery capabilities
• MAC address validation and formatting
• Persistent storage for device configurations
• Network interface management
• Cross-platform compatibility (wakes both Mac and PC)
• Lightweight app architecture with minimal resource usage
• Error handling for network issues
• Background operation support

Project Metrics

• Development Duration: 2015
• Development Hours: 200
• Platform: iOS (iPhone & iPad)
• Services Delivered: UI & UX Design, Mobile Development, Quality Assurance
• Supported Systems: Mac and PC computers
• Network Standards: Ethernet and token ring Wake-on-LAN
• Project Type: Internal Product Development

Results

• Simple Tool: Delivered straightforward solution for remote computer activation
• MAC-Address Based: Wake up devices knowing only MAC address
• Cross-Platform: Successfully supports both Mac and PC computers
• Native Experience: iOS-native design providing familiar user experience
• Reliable Operation: Consistent wake-up packet transmission across networks
• Quick Development: Complete solution delivered in just 200 hours
• Practical Utility: Useful tool for IT professionals and home users
• Accessible Technology: Made technical networking feature easy to use

Client Impact

The Wake-on-LAN iOS application has provided a practical utility tool for users needing to remotely activate their computers. The application has proven particularly valuable for IT professionals managing multiple systems, remote workers who need to access home computers, and users running servers or media centers that don’t need to be powered on continuously. By simplifying the Wake-on-LAN process into a mobile app with an intuitive interface, SweetSoft has made a technical networking feature accessible to users without deep networking knowledge. The ability to wake both Mac and PC computers from a single iOS app has eliminated the need for users to be physically present to power on their systems, enabling remote access scenarios and energy-saving practices. Despite the modest 200-hour development investment, the application has delivered lasting value as a practical tool that addresses a specific, real-world need in network and computer management.