Method and computer for remote communication while operating in a power-saving mode

Abstract

A computer and a method for enabling remote communication to a computer operating in a power-saving mode in which one or more one power sources to internal devices are disabled. The computer is equipped with a power management control circuit which is responsive to a first signal indicating that a device used to receive remote communication is to receive power while operating in a power-saving mode. In the event that a remote communications is detected which is targeted for the computer, a second signal is asserted by the remote communications device. The power management control circuit responds by exiting the power-saving mode and restoring power to the disabled power source to enable the computer to process the incoming communication. The remote communication may be through a wireless source such as a radio frequency channel or through a fixed wire such as a telephone network or LAN. Other aspects of the invention enable communication through an option card installed in a option slot or a notebooks docking station such as a radio device, modem, or LAN adapter.