Wake-on-LAN does not work over a USB to Ethernet adapter connection
Summary: The following article provides information about why Wake-on-LAN does not work on computers using a USB adapter for their Ethernet connection.
Symptoms
Wake-on-LAN does not work when the LAN connection uses a USB adapter
Wake-on-LAN does not work through a USB adapter connection when the computer is turned off. (S5 power state - soft off - on standby power.)
Affected Products:
- This applies to every computer using a USB to RJ45 adapter:
- USB Type-A to Ethernet (NIC - Network Interface Card) adapters
- USB Type-C to Ethernet (NIC) adapters
Cause
This is working as we would expect it to. For Wake-on-LAN to function, the USB to NIC adapter would need 5 V in the S5 state. It needs this in order to receive the magic package and then power the computer up from the S5 state.
Resolution
Wake-on-LAN is available for those computers with an onboard NIC connector. It is also available for those who are using a powered docking station. (Such as the WD15, WD19, or WD19S.)
If you do not have an onboard Ethernet connector or access to a powered dock, then Wake-on-LAN is not going to work on your computer.
If your computer does not have an onboard Ethernet connector, you need access to a powered dock to resolve this.