IBM Support

Wake-on-LAN works only after a proper shutdown - IBM Servers

Troubleshooting


Problem

After power is turned off using the power switch at certain times, the system will not power up on subsequent Wake on LAN (WoL) attempts.

Resolving The Problem

Source

RETAIN tip H081403

Symptom

After power is turned off using the power switch at certain times, the system will not power up on subsequent Wake on LAN (WoL) attempts. For example, if power goes off as a result of a momentary power switch press during POST, WoL will not be enabled; if the system hangs in the operating system and requires a 4-second switch press to turn power off, WoL will not be enabled.

Affected configurations

The system may be any of the following IBM eServer xSeries servers:

  • An IBM eServer xSeries 440, type 8687, any model
  • An IBM eServer xSeries 345, type 8670, any model
  • An IBM eServer xSeries 335, type 8676, any model
  • An IBM eServer xSeries 335, type 8830, any model
  • An IBM eServer xSeries 305, type 8673, any model
  • An IBM eServer xSeries 255, type 8685, any model
  • An IBM eServer xSeries 235, type 8671, any model
  • An IBM eServer xSeries 205, type 8480, any model

The system may be BladeCenter HS20, type 8678, any model.

The system may be an IntelliStation E Pro, type 6226, any model.

Workaround

If a system is in the off state with WoL not working, the quickest way to enable WoL is to remove and restore AC power (this works for the onboard Ethernet and all adapters that support the "D3 cold" state). The only other way to enable WoL is to boot the system completely through POST and then do a proper shutdown.
 
A proper shutdown is defined as follows:  

  • Turning off power by a momentary power switch press from a non-ACPI operating system (such as DOS, or Windows NT after shutdown processing has completed)
  • Turning off power by a momentary power switch press to cause a shutdown in an ACPI operating system (such as Windows 2000)
  • Turning off power by an INT 15h function call from a Real Mode operating system (such as Remote Deployment Manager does from DOS)
  • Turning off power by a Shutdown command from the Start menu in an ACPI operating system (such as Windows 2000)

These are examples of improper shutdown:

  • Turning off power by a momentary power switch press during POST
  • Turning off power by a 4-second power switch press at any time (although occasionally this may be unavoidable)
Additional information

The problem occurs because Wake on LAN (WoL) is enabled as part of BIOS shutdown processing. The workaround to remove or restore AC power takes advantage of hardware support of WoL from the "D3 cold" state. The only other workaround is to avoid the problem by making sure the system does BIOS shutdown processing when powering off. This problem will not occur as a result of an unexpected loss of AC power.
 
There are two possible scenarios for AC power loss:

  • If AC power loss occurs while the system is in the off state, the system will return to the off state when power is restored; WoL will be enabled because of the aforementioned "D3 cold" hardware support.
  • If AC power loss occurs while the system is in the on state, the system should turn back on when power is restored; therefore, WoL should not be needed to wake the system.

 

Document Location

Worldwide

Operating System

IntelliStation Pro:All operating systems listed

Older System x:All operating systems listed

BladeCenter:Operating system independent / None

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Document Information

Modified date:
28 January 2019

UID

ibm1MIGR-44299

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