Using JavaScript to trigger wake on LAN directly from a web browser

Can a wake on LAN command be sent to a computer on a local network from a browser without using server side code? I am in control of the entire network. My goal is to send the command from a tablet browser over wifi to a wired computer on the same LAN. I came across some Node.JS JavaScript code here: https://github.com/agnat/node_wake_on_lan/blob/master/wake_on_lan.js but I'm unsure if it will function properly in a browser.

Answer №1

Unfortunately, it is not possible to achieve this with current technologies.

In order to wake a computer on LAN, the Wake-on-LAN feature requires sending a UDP broadcast packet. However, web browsers do not offer any built-in functionality to send UDP packets.

The only way to accomplish this task would be through server-side scripting or the use of browser plugins. One potential solution could involve creating a custom plugin utilizing the UDP API provided in Chrome's documentation.

Answer №2

Nodejs is designed specifically for creating server-side code, which requires a server to function properly. However, if you don't have access to a traditional server, you can purchase a small computer such as a raspberry pi to act as your server.

To set up your own server, you will need to:

  • Purchase a basic computer like a raspberry pi or similar device (keep in mind that this computer must be powered on at all times).
  • Install Node.js on the computer.
  • Write Javascript code for the raspberry pi to receive commands from the internet (similar to a browser extension) and send a "magic packet" locally to wake up another designated computer.
  • Create a client program, such as a browser extension or an Android app, that can communicate with your server (raspberry pi) via HTTP requests.

If you need assistance with writing server code, you can utilize the https://www.npmjs.com/package/node-wol library specially designed for Node.js.

Answer №3

In order to trigger a 'magic packet' from system calls using JavaScript, you'll likely need some kind of interface between the two. As far as I know, performing such tasks without backend magic that can utilize system calls would be challenging. JavaScript is typically limited to client-side operations and communication with servers, rather than server-side control.

My understanding may be lacking as I'm not a web developer, but based on my limited experience, it seems essential to have a mechanism in place to communicate with the operating system to initiate the WoL magic packet transmission.

Answer №4

Node is a server-side platform that utilizes JavaScript Runtime Environment, ensuring that it only allows operations within the user's permission scope.

As ZuLukas pointed out correctly, basic JavaScript alone cannot achieve this task. For a potential solution, you may want to explore this resource: https://github.com/hypery2k/cordova-wol-plugin It could be worth trying without investing too much effort.

To accomplish this, you'll need to familiarize yourself with PhoneGap and develop a Hybrid application. Remember: while JavaScript will be utilized for the implementation, it will interact with native resources and not function within a browser environment.

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