The three options side by side
GL.iNet's KVM FAQ lists three ways to power a target computer on and off remotely: Wake-on-LAN, an ATX board, and a Fingerbot. The last two are sold separately and do not work with the cheaper Comet Q. This guide is research from GL.iNet's documentation; we have not installed these accessories or tested recovery on any computer. [3]
| Wake-on-LAN | ATX board (GL-ATXPC) | Fingerbot | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extra hardware | None; built-in software | Board inside the PC case, sold separately | Button pusher stuck on the power button, sold separately |
| Actions documented | Power on or wake | Short press (on or wake), long press (forced shutdown), restart | Press of 0.5, 3 or 8 seconds; light or firm strength |
| Best fit | Desktops and some laptops with wake support set up | Desktops with a standard front-panel header | Laptops, mini PCs, devices you cannot open |
| Main catch | Depends on the computer's settings and the sleep or shutdown state | Wiring polarity varies by case; needs a free header | Must hit the button reliably; can be knocked off |
| Works with Comet Q | Yes (built in) | No | No |
Wake-on-LAN: free, but conditional
In the Comet Pro console, you add a computer on the same network with Add Device, or use Add Manually with a device name and MAC address. That gives you a button that sends a wake request. Whether the computer actually wakes depends on its own network adapter, firmware and operating-system settings, and on the state it is in. [1]
Test each state you care about separately while you are sitting next to the machine: wake from sleep, start after a normal shutdown, and start after a power cut. A pass in one state says nothing about the others. If all the states you need pass, you may not need an accessory at all.
ATX board: the most control, for desktops
The GL-ATXPC mounts on an included bracket inside the case. Two interchangeable interfaces connect to the PC's front-panel control wires and the motherboard's F_PANEL header (a 9-pin wire set is included; the case's own wires cover the other side), and a Type-C port connects to the KVM's USB-A port. Comet, Comet PoE, Comet Pro and Comet 5G each control one board; Comet X controls up to four; Comet Q is not supported. [2]
GL.iNet gives layout examples for 10-1, 20-5 and 20-8 pin headers and warns that polarity varies by case, so check the motherboard manual before wiring. If power control does not work afterwards, its listed checks are POWER SW polarity, confirming the case button still works, and updating KVM firmware. Once installed, the console gives short press, long press (forced shutdown) and restart. [1][2]
Fingerbot: for machines you cannot open
The Fingerbot sticks onto the computer's physical power button and presses it on command. The console lets you choose a press of 0.5, 3 or 8 seconds and a Lightly Press or Firmly Press strength for soft or deep buttons. Its settings appear only after the accessory is installed. [1]
Before buying, photograph the button: is there a flat surface to stick to, will the lid or case still open, will anyone bump it? A software command that succeeds is worthless if the actuator slips off the button.
Pick by computer type
| Your computer | Start with | Add if that is not enough |
|---|---|---|
| Tower desktop you can open | Wake-on-LAN test | ATX board, for forced shutdown and restart of a frozen machine |
| Laptop that stays plugged in | Wake-on-LAN test | Fingerbot on the power button |
| Mini PC or sealed device | Wake-on-LAN test | Fingerbot, if the button is reachable |
| Only needs waking from sleep | Wake-on-LAN | Probably nothing |
| Must recover from a full freeze | ATX board (desktop) or Fingerbot with 8-second press | On-site helper as a last resort |
Acceptance test before you leave
Power control only works while the KVM is on and reachable. Keeping the router, modem and KVM on a small UPS is often a better first spend than a power accessory; the UPS guide covers sizing. If ordinary remote desktop and a neighbour with a key already cover your rare failures, skip the accessories.
- Write down which failure you need to recover from: sleep, normal shutdown, frozen OS, or power cut.
- Install and configure the method while you are next to the machine.
- From a different network, trigger each recovery you need and watch the result over the KVM's video.
- Unplug and replug the KVM and router to check what comes back by itself.
- Note what is still untested and who can press the button if everything else fails.
Questions before you decide
Does Comet Pro include the ATX board or Fingerbot?
GL.iNet's KVM FAQ lists Wake-on-LAN as a built-in software service and says the ATX board and Fingerbot are sold separately. Check the exact bundle you are buying before assuming either accessory is in the box.
Can the ATX board force a frozen PC off?
Yes, according to the Comet Pro console guide: a short press handles regular power-on or wake, a long press performs a forced shutdown, and there is a restart action. A forced shutdown can lose unsaved work, so use the operating system's own shutdown whenever it still responds.
Will a power accessory help if the KVM itself goes offline?
No. The ATX board and Fingerbot are controlled through the KVM, so they need the KVM to be powered and reachable. Plan the KVM's own power and network separately, for example by keeping it and the router on a UPS.
Sources & verification
Product details and prices can change. Check the linked provider before buying.
- GL.iNet: Comet Pro (GL-RM10) console guide, Wake-on-LAN, Fingerbot and ATX power Accessed 29 Oct 2026
- GL.iNet: GL-ATXPC ATX board installation and compatibility Accessed 29 Oct 2026
- GL.iNet: Quick FAQs about GL.iNet KVM Accessed 29 Oct 2026
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