Wake-On-LAN

[twitch50]

Hi,

I've got an Asus motherboard and a 3com 3c905b-tx LAN card.

I'm trying to set up the WOL.


1) The Asus motherboard doesn't have a 3-pin connector on it. Will the 3c905b-tx's WOL feature still work?

2) If I decide to use another, newer card, can any one recommend a card that will only use the PCI's power instead of the 3-pin? Which brand/model numbers of cards will work without the 3-pin?

Thanks.

 

[JackMDS]

Welcome to the Network Forum.

Interesting question.

The On board NIC?s WOL is done internally.

I know that there is specifications for WOL pass the through the PCI bus, but I never saw an actual card that does it.

Instructions and software links for WOL here: Wake On LAN (WOL) ? Start a Computer Remotely from your Network or the Internet.

:sun:

 

[cmetz]

twitch50, the 3c905b likely does not support signalling WOL over the PCI slot due to its age, but some research will confirm or deny this. I'd suggest a current Intel card if you want this, they are the leader on spec stuff like this. A Pro/1000MT is around $35.

Also make sure your motherboard supports signalling WOL through PCI slot pins. Many simply don't. Others do, but in certain slots only.

 

[twitch50]

Hi guys,

Well, I did confirm (with someone's help) that the 3c905b-tx does indeed require that the 3-pin connector be plugged in before it will work. It turns out that 3Com wrote a new manual that covered about 10 different cards and discussed which ones needed what in order to work.


I also contacted Linsys. They said their LNE100TX doesn't require a 3-pin adapter if you use version 5.1 or higher.

Thanks for all of your help!

 

[JackMDS]

Good to know that you get WOL through the PCI bus it in an inxpensive card.

Please let us know if the Linksys did work without a Wire.

Thanks.

 

[cmetz]

I believe the RTL8139C chip supports WOL via PCI pins, and so assuming the vendor routed the traces it should work. Much as I hate that chip, in this case it would be a pretty safe choice.

It's mostly a generational thing though - new chips/boards should get this right.