How do I allow Wake on LAN packets to pass through a SonicWall?

Wake on LAN (WoL) allows to remotely power on PCs using a "Magic Packet" . As the service uses UDP broadcast packets, it requires the source and destination to be in the same broadcast domain (generally same subnet).

If the WoL packet is sent form a different subnet than it's destination, it will not be allowed to pass through the SonicWall. To support cases where source and destination are in different broadcast domains, IP Helper has to be enabled to help to forward the packets to other interfaces. 

Resolution for SonicOS 7.X

This release includes significant user interface changes and many new features that are different from the SonicOS 6.5 and earlier firmware. The below resolution is for customers using SonicOS 7.X firmware.

To enable IP Helper Policy for WoL packets:

1. Navigate to Network | IP Helper, under IP Helper settings, select the checkbox next to Enable IP Helper
2. Under Relay Protocols, select the Enable checkbox of WOL.  Click Accept button to save the configuration.
   

      3. Under Policies, click Add button:

• • Add IP Helper Policy window will display.
  • Choose WOL from the Protocol drop-down list.
  • Select the appropriate source and destination in the From/To drop-down list.
    

    NOTE: The Enable policy option is enabled by default. To configure the policy without enabling it, clear the Enable policy checkbox.

  • In the Comment field, enter a comment (optional).
  • Save the policy using OK button

NOTE: Wake on LAN uses "Raw Mode" meaning IP Helper does not create a cache, unidirectional forwarding is supported, and the Timeout period is ignored. 

Resolution for SonicOS 6.5

This release includes significant user interface changes and many new features that are different from the SonicOS 6.2 and earlier firmware. The below resolution is for customers using SonicOS 6.5 firmware.

To enable IP Helper Policy for WoL packets:

1. Navigate to MANAGE | Network | IP Helper, under IP Helper settings, select the checkbox next to Enable IP Helper
2. Under Relay Protocols, select the Enable checkbox of WOL.  Click Accept button to save the configuration.
   
   

   

   
   
3. Under Policies, click Add button:
   • Add IP Helper Policy window will display.
   • Choose WOL from the Protocol drop-down list.
   • Select the appropriate source and destination in the From/To drop-down list.
     

     NOTE: The Enable policy option is enabled by default. To configure the policy without enabling it, clear the Enable policy checkbox.

   • In the Comment field, enter a comment (optional).
   • Save the policy using OK button
     
     

NOTE: Wake on LAN uses "Raw Mode" meaning IP Helper does not create a cache, unidirectional forwarding is supported, and the Timeout period is ignored.