Acer aspire 7 a715-42g WOL on batteries

2fos
2fos Member Posts: 5 New User
I'm trying to use WOL on the Acer aspire 7 a715-42g while it's on batteries, or when it's plugged to AC after being unplugged, but it doesn't work. It works if I turn off the laptop and keep the AC power, but If I remove it, it doesn't respond to WOL commands, even if I plug it again.
I've seen commentaries talking about a BIOS option to select if WOL should work on batteries, but that option is not present in my BIOS (InsideH2O, tried from v1.02 to v1.08).
Is there any way to make it work with batteries or after replug?

Answers

  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,868 Trailblazer
    >>> It works if I turn off the laptop and keep the AC power, but If I remove it, it doesn't respond to WOL commands, even if I plug it again.>>>

    This is normal for most laptops since the lan controller must be stay powered in order to react and then send the wake alarm to the rest of  the system. The controller would soon drain the battery even though the rest of  the system was in a low power sleep state.

    Jack E/NJ

  • 2fos
    2fos Member Posts: 5 New User
    But plugin it again to AC should not make the lan controller be aware again of the WOL packets? That would be fine in my case, but even I see that the switch light where the laptop's ethernet cable is connected is blinking, it doesn't respond to WOL.
  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,868 Trailblazer
    Does the laptop turn on and boot up OK unplugged?

    Jack E/NJ

  • 2fos
    2fos Member Posts: 5 New User
    Yes, if I open the lid and press the power button, it boots normally on batteries.
    If I don't unplug the AC power cable, it wakes on WOL commands. It's just when unplugging the AC cable, and plug it again, it stops respond WOL.
  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,868 Trailblazer
    >>>I've seen commentaries talking about a BIOS option to select if WOL should work on batteries, but that option is not present in my BIOS >>>

    Try pressing Ctrl+S in each tab and option selection to see if there are any hidden options. If none, I suspect it's a one time deal after you unplug the charger until you re-boot. Then an undocumented BIOS mod might be the only solution.




    Jack E/NJ

  • 2fos
    2fos Member Posts: 5 New User
    I've already tried every keystroke combination I saw in Internet, but no luck. The only advanced option it appears is Sata Mode and Touchpad with crt+s. I guess I should look for another solution... Nevertheless, thanks!
  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,868 Trailblazer
    As mentioned earlier, it'll likely be an undocumented BIOS mod. Accordingly, you might want to post to the bios mods forums.

    However I suspect the feature is not included due to the risk of running the battery below the critical 5% charge level while it's still sleeping with sleep mode set to never turn off. Running Li ion cells  below 5% charge levels, risks creating high internal resistance and not being able to recharge or cause overheating or a fire hazard trying to bring them back.

    If it was mine, I'd live with having to re-boot after the charger is unplugged. But it's not mine. So you'll have to decide if WOL is essential enough after unplugging to justify taking the risk.

    Jack E/NJ

  • 2fos
    2fos Member Posts: 5 New User
    Well, I guess the perfect solution would be that the LAN is off when running in batteries, but if it's on AC it could detect WOL packets. I have a smart plug socket which easily could switch from off/on. 
    Other solution could be to turn on when AC power is restored (as I have configured in a Dell laptop), but this option is also not present on Acer bios.
  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,868 Trailblazer
    A power brick should work.

    Jack E/NJ