WOL Device Control via Automatic MAC Address Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users, especially those not familiar with network technologies, face difficulties in switching a Wake-on-LAN (WOL) enabled device from standby mode to power-on mode due to the need to look up and input the MAC address of the communication interface unit, which is complex even for those familiar with network technologies.
Innovation Solution
A device control method that identifies devices in controllable and restriction modes via a network, allowing switching from the restriction mode to the controllable mode by sending predetermined data based on device information, eliminating the need to manually input MAC addresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If WOL function is used to reduce power consumption in standby mode, then power consumption is reduced more than network standby mode, but it becomes necessary to send magic packets with MAC address to switch from standby to power-on mode
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus automatically retrieves and uses the MAC address of the communication interface unit from stored device information without requiring user input. The system serves itself by autonomously completing the wake-up process through automated magic packet generation and transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The MAC address of the communication interface unit is retrieved and stored in advance in the control apparatus during device registration or previous operations. This preliminary retrieval eliminates the need for users to look up and input the MAC address when wake-up is needed.
2Measurement precision
If MAC address lookup and input procedure is required to switch from standby to power-on mode, then precise device identification is achieved, but operation complexity increases for users
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus automatically performs device identification by retrieving the MAC address from stored information and using it to generate the appropriate magic packet, eliminating the need for users to manually perform identification steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus acts as an intermediary between the user and the WOL enabled device, handling the complex MAC address retrieval and magic packet transmission process while presenting a simplified interface to the user.
Data Source
AI summary
A device control method includes: identifying a device contained in device information on a device that was in a controllable mode before, the device being controlled via a network and being allowed to be in the controllable mode and a restriction mode, the controllable mode being a mode in which the device can be controlled by a first type of communication via the network, and the restriction mode being a mode in which a type of communication that can be performed by the device is restricted to a second type of communication to thereby prohibit control of the device by the first type of communication; and switching, by sending by the second type of communication predetermined data that is based on the device information to the identified device, the identified device from the restriction mode to the controllable mode.