Is it possible to WOL via OpenVPN?

CraftyClown

I am trying to find a way to turn on my work PCs remotely via OpenVPN.

The PCs are connected to a router which is on the subnet of another router owned by the people who manage our building. When the PCs are powered on, I can access them fine using RDP via my OpenVPN connection.

I can power the PCs on by going into my router management GUI and starting them from there, however I don't want to give my staff access to the router and it is them who I need to give access to.

Is there any way I can power on the PCs when tunnelling through OpenVPN?

CraftyClown

I really have no idea why a mod has moved my post to this board?
How exactly is this a failed setup?

TinCanTech

What you are asking makes no sense .. if the machine is not on then it is not running openvpn ..

Perhaps you can explain more clearly ?

CraftyClown

Ah sorry. I missed out a crucial piece of the puzzle there. The OpenVPN server is on the dd-wrt router which is switched on 24/7 🙂

I can easily power the pcs on using wake up software when on the LAN, but I need to do this remotely.

I was hoping that it might be possible via the OpenVPN tunnel, seeing as this is effectively an LAN.

The only other option would be to open up more ports to allow the WOL, however that starts to defeat the point of having a secure OpenVPN connection in the first place.

Does that make sense?

TinCanTech

I think you need to understand the nature of a WOL packet.

CraftyClown

TinCanTech wroteI think you need to understand the nature of a WOL packet.

Well I guess I don't understand enough about them. Am I trying to do the impossible here? Fair enough if I am, happy to concede if it can't be done.

I had read little bits here and there that made me think it might be possible over VPN, providing I could match the subnets.

https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/25334841/Wake-on-LAN-through-VPN.html

https://itworkerdaily.wordpress.com/2007/06/01/wol-wake-up-on-lan-how-to-set-it-up/

Is this a wild goose chase?

CraftyClown

Sorry Tincan, are you saying this isn't possible then?

I'm getting mixed feedback from different people. Some saying it can be done, some saying it can't.

If it really can't then I'll stop wasting my time looking for a solution

Cheers

TinCanTech

It is not something I have tried .. but I can foresee there being many questionable pitfalls.

CraftyClown

TinCanTech wroteIt is not something I have tried .. but I can foresee there being many questionable pitfalls.

Interesting you say that. I was considering this route as I thought starting the PCs over a secure connection was safer than just opening ports and port forwarding.

What are the pitfalls you foresee?