Docker Installation (Remote Wake-on-LAN Service)
Docker is used to run a background service that enables
remote Wake-on-LAN (WOL) for Turn Off PC.
This guide explains why Docker is required, what it is used for, and how to
install it on supported Linux systems.
Why Docker is required
Wake-on-LAN works only inside the local network (LAN).
To wake a computer from outside the home network, an intermediate system is
required to act as a bridge between:
- The remote device (mobile app)
- The local network (LAN)
Docker is used to run this bridge as a containerized service.
What Docker is used for in Turn Off PC
In Turn Off PC, Docker is used to run a Python-based service that:
- Runs continuously in the background
- Listens for incoming requests over a VPN (for example, Tailscale)
- Receives commands from the Turn Off PC mobile app
- Translates those commands into local Wake-on-LAN packets
- Sends the WOL packets inside the local network
This enables remote Wake-on-LAN without exposing ports or routers to the
internet.
Where this Docker service runs
The Docker container can run on any always-on Linux device inside the local
network, such as:
- A Linux server
- A desktop PC
- A mini PC
- A Raspberry Pi
Raspberry Pi OS is a Linux distribution, so the installation process and
commands are the same.
How the system works (high level)
- The Turn Off PC mobile app sends a request over the VPN
- The Docker container receives the request
- The container runs a Python program
- The Python program sends a Wake-on-LAN packet on the local network
- The target computer powers on
Docker ensures this service runs reliably and independently from the host
system.
What Docker does NOT do
Docker does not:
- Replace the VPN
- Provide remote connectivity by itself
- Replace Wake-on-LAN
- Control hardware directly
Docker only provides a runtime environment for the WOL bridge service.
Supported operating systems
Docker is required only on Linux systems for this setup.
This includes:
- Linux distributions (Ubuntu, Debian, etc.)
- Raspberry Pi OS
The same installation commands are used.
Requirements
To use Docker for remote Wake-on-LAN, you need:
- A supported Linux system
- Administrator (root) privileges
- Internet access (for installation and image downloads)
- A VPN connection (for example, Tailscale)
Important notes
- The Docker container must be running at all times
- The host device must stay powered on
- The host must be connected to the local network
- The host must be connected to the VPN
If the container is not running, remote Wake-on-LAN will not work.
Continue
Proceed with Docker installation on Linux / Raspberry Pi OS: