How to Enable Wake-on-LAN on RTL8111H-CG

How to Enable Wake-on-LAN on RTL8111H-CG: Troubleshooting and Solutions

1. Problem Analysis:

Wake-on-LAN (WoL) is a feature that allows you to turn on a computer remotely by sending a network message known as a "magic packet." However, if Wake-on-LAN is not working on an RTL8111H-CG network interface card (NIC), it could be due to several factors. The issue might be caused by settings in the BIOS, driver misconfiguration, or network settings. Here’s how to identify the root cause and fix it:

2. Possible Causes of Wake-on-LAN Failure:

BIOS/UEFI Settings: Wake-on-LAN often needs to be enabled in the BIOS or UEFI of your motherboard. If this option is disabled, the network card will not be able to respond to WoL magic packets. Driver Issues: The Drivers for your RTL8111H-CG might not support WoL or may need to be updated. Outdated Drivers or incorrect configurations can prevent WoL from functioning properly. Power Management Settings: The operating system’s Power Management settings can sometimes disable WoL features, especially in Windows. Network Configuration: If your network setup has issues (like incorrect router or switch configuration), the magic packet might not reach the target computer. Hardware Support: Not all network interfaces or motherboards support WoL under every condition, so it’s important to confirm that the RTL8111H-CG network card itself supports this feature.

3. Step-by-Step Troubleshooting and Solutions:

Step 1: Enable Wake-on-LAN in BIOS/UEFI:

Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI setup by pressing the specified key (often "DEL" or "F2"). Look for power management settings, often under "Advanced" or "Power" tabs. Find the option labeled "Wake-on-LAN," "WOL," or "Power on by PCI-E/PCI." Enable this setting and save changes (usually by pressing "F10"). Exit the BIOS and reboot your system.

Step 2: Check and Update Drivers for RTL8111H-CG:

Open Device Manager by pressing Win + X and selecting "Device Manager." Expand the "Network adapters" section and find your RTL8111H-CG network card. Right-click the device and select Update driver. If Windows cannot find a newer driver, visit the official Realtek website to download the latest drivers for your RTL8111H-CG NIC. Install the updated driver and reboot your system.

Step 3: Enable Wake-on-LAN in Network Adapter Settings (Windows):

In Device Manager, right-click on your RTL8111H-CG network card under "Network adapters." Select Properties, then go to the Power Management tab. Ensure that "Allow this device to wake the computer" is checked. Optionally, you can check "Only allow a magic packet to wake the computer" for better security. In the Advanced tab, look for settings like "Wake on Magic Packet" or similar. Set it to Enabled.

Step 4: Adjust Power Settings in Windows:

Open the Control Panel and go to "Power Options." Select your current power plan and click "Change plan settings." Click on "Change advanced power settings." In the Power Options dialog, expand the "PCI Express" section and set "Link State Power Management" to Off. Expand the "Sleep" section and ensure that "Allow wake timers" is set to Enabled.

Step 5: Test Wake-on-LAN Functionality:

Shut down the computer (don’t just sleep or hibernate). Use a WoL tool (available online or as a mobile app) to send a magic packet to your computer's MAC address. Ensure your computer is connected to the network and that no firewall or security settings are blocking the magic packet.

4. Additional Considerations:

Network Configuration: Ensure that your router and any intermediary network devices allow WoL packets to pass through. Some routers have options to allow or block broadcast traffic (which is required for WoL). Ethernet Cable: WoL typically works only with wired Ethernet connections. Ensure your computer is connected via Ethernet, not Wi-Fi, for WoL to work.

5. Conclusion:

Enabling Wake-on-LAN on your RTL8111H-CG is typically a simple process, but it can be hindered by BIOS, driver, or power management settings. By following the steps above, you can identify and resolve any issues preventing WoL from functioning. Make sure to double-check both the BIOS settings and network adapter configurations, and keep your drivers up to date. Once these are correctly set, you should be able to remotely wake up your computer with ease.