A remote activation device for enabling WOL capability in a target computer that is not connected to a wired network is disclosed. The remote activation device is WOL compatible and simulates a network host computer using WOL technology for “waking-up” the target computer. The remote activation device generally comprises a microcontroller and a communications controller. The device is connected to the target computer via the communications controller of the device and a wired network adapter of the target computer. As such, the remote activation device forms a “mini-network” with the target computer. The remote activation device generates and sends a WOL magic packet to the target computer instructing the computer to power ON. Once the computer is powered ON, the computer is able to wirelessly connect to a WLAN in the target computer's work environment. A computer administrator is then able to manage the target computer via network host computer. Alternatively, a computer user is able to commence work on the target computer.