PCI Modem help please . . .

khushy

khushy

khushy

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Joined
17 Jun 2006
Posts
612
its a bit complicated - so please bear with me . . .

In our company we run a dedicated machine that connected permanently to the internet and it runs our database www.cardbox.com software - client/server - its excellent.

The server for the database is in my loft and has its own dedicated IP address.

When the server turns off for any reason (powercut etc) I have to go into the loft and press the start button - which is ok when I am here!

However I have heard that I could configure a PCI Modem card to wake the PC up on an incoming ring - is this true - will it work - is it easy?

If so - this would make my life easy as all I or any of our team would have to do is make a quick phone call.

ALSO - if the machine is on and it gets a ringing while its on - what will happen to the machine?

I cant afford to spring at least £60 per month for a dedicated server hosting.

The machine is Windows XP etc etc

khushy
 
Yes, this will work providing the BIOS supports it.

If you dial it while it's on, it'll simply answer the call like a fax would, you can simply hang up.
 
Why don't you get a UPS?

A UPS would protect you from short duration power issues and would also allow the machine to shutdown cleanly when it needs to; as the machine is running a database this is an important consideration.

It should be possible to get the UPS to turn the machine back on when the mains power returns. You'd need to check on the capabilities of the available UPSs and and specific requirements the PC might need to support.

It's also worth checking your BIOS options. Some of my machines have an option to tell the machine what to do when they get connected to the mains. The options are normally ON/OFF/PREVIOUS STATE.

I don't think you'll be able to use Wake On Lan as I don't think the 'magic packets' required are Internet routable.
 
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funny . . .

you must be psychic - I have one coming tomorrow!

But would still like the option/capability of remote booting!!!!

khushy
 
You could use a remote power switch, Google 'Remote Power Cycle' and you'll find some examples. The iBoot would appear to do what you want, including automatically rebooting the machine if it stops responding, and it isn't too expensive.

Your original plan of using a modem could also work and would be very cheap to experiment with.

Another (expensive) answer would be to use a real server with a lights out remote access card.
 
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Also depending on what sort of UPS you've ordered you may be able to install a network management card. The card I have installed in a APC Smart-UPS allows for a fair degree of control.
 
Most likely that the Modem is the cheapest option, no need to purchase any of these programs when the Modem will do the trick, so long as the BIOS supports Wake on Ring :P
 
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