Uncovering the Best WakeMeOnLan Alternative for Network Management
WakeMeOnLan is a useful tool for network administrators and users alike, designed to collect active network systems and send Wake-on-LAN (WOL) packets to power them on using their MAC addresses. While effective, you might be looking for a WakeMeOnLan alternative that offers different features, broader platform support, or a more tailored user experience. This article explores some of the top contenders that can help you manage your network devices with similar or enhanced capabilities.
Top WakeMeOnLan Alternatives
Whether you need advanced network scanning, robust security features, or simply a reliable WOL solution across various operating systems, there's an alternative out there for you. Here's a curated list of the best options that stand out.
Nmap
Nmap is an extensible, open-source network mapper with OS detection, perfect for scanning networks for hosts and services. It's available on Free, Open Source, Mac, Windows, Linux, and BSD platforms, offering robust Network Monitoring and Network usage history features, making it a powerful alternative to WakeMeOnLan for comprehensive network insights beyond just WOL.
Fing
Fing allows you to discover devices on any Wi-Fi network, map devices, detect intruders, assess network security risks, and troubleshoot network problems. Available for Free on Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, and iPad, it features Trace Route, Network Discovery, Network Monitoring, Network Tools, Notetaking, and crucially, Wake on LAN functionality, positioning it as a versatile WakeMeOnLan alternative for mobile users.
Advanced IP Scanner
Advanced IP Scanner shows all network devices, provides access to shared folders, and can remotely switch computers off. This Free Windows application is a strong WakeMeOnLan alternative, offering Scan documents, Portable, RDP Functionality, and Wake on LAN features, making it highly practical for Windows environments.
SoftPerfect Network Scanner
SoftPerfect Network Scanner is a fast, highly configurable IPv4/IPv6 scanner designed to streamline network support. This Commercial ($ $$) Windows tool is a robust WakeMeOnLan alternative, featuring German language support, IPv6 support, Network Discovery, Portability, Remote monitoring, and Wake on LAN, making it suitable for professional network management.
Advanced Port Scanner
Advanced Port Scanner is a fast and free software for port scanning, allowing you to quickly find all open ports (TCP and UDP) and detect program versions. While not directly a WOL tool, its Network Monitoring, Network Tools, and Networking features on Windows make it a valuable complementary tool for network analysis, potentially reducing the need for constant WOL if devices are kept online for monitoring.
Port Authority
Port Authority is a very fast Android port scanner, handy for systems and security. This Free, Open Source Android application allows quick host discovery and includes Wake on LAN, making it an excellent mobile-first WakeMeOnLan alternative for on-the-go network management.
Wake On LAN
Wake On LAN / Shutdown software for Windows is a powerful WOL, ping, shutdown, GUI application. This Free, Open Source Windows tool focuses specifically on Wake on LAN, making it a direct and simple WakeMeOnLan alternative for users who primarily need WOL and shutdown functionality.
Dshutdown
Dshutdown is a stand-alone program that allows you to easily shutdown and wake up local or remote PCs with many specific options. This Free, Portable Windows application offers similar functionality to WakeMeOnLan for both waking and shutting down, providing a convenient alternative.
WakeOnLan
Need to access files on your other Mac when it's sleeping? This little app helps you out. Free and specifically designed for Mac, WakeOnLan (for Mac) is a perfect WakeMeOnLan alternative for Mac users, offering Network Tools and Wake on LAN capabilities tailored to the Apple ecosystem.
gWakeOnLan
gWakeOnLan is a GTK+ utility to awake turned off computers through the Wake on LAN feature, ensuring machines are properly shut off to receive the magic packet. This Free, Open Source Linux tool is an excellent WakeMeOnLan alternative for Linux users, providing dedicated Wake on LAN functionality.
Choosing the best WakeMeOnLan alternative depends on your specific needs, whether you prioritize platform compatibility, advanced network scanning features, or a streamlined Wake-on-LAN experience. Explore these options to find the perfect fit for your network management tasks.