https://github.com/tvup/idle-less
Idle-less keeps services reachable even when backend servers sleep. An always-on gateway and reverse proxy that detects sleeping backends, triggers wake-up actions, and guides clients through warm-up — without changing application code.
https://github.com/tvup/idle-less
Last synced: 3 months ago
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Idle-less keeps services reachable even when backend servers sleep. An always-on gateway and reverse proxy that detects sleeping backends, triggers wake-up actions, and guides clients through warm-up — without changing application code.
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/tvup/idle-less
- Owner: tvup
- License: other
- Created: 2025-12-29T02:20:51.000Z (6 months ago)
- Default Branch: master
- Last Pushed: 2026-02-28T22:32:52.000Z (4 months ago)
- Last Synced: 2026-02-28T22:54:26.266Z (4 months ago)
- Language: Shell
- Size: 40 KB
- Stars: 0
- Watchers: 0
- Forks: 0
- Open Issues: 0
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
- License: LICENSE
Awesome Lists containing this project
- awesome-docker - idle-less - Reverse proxy with automatic Wake-on-LAN — wakes sleeping backend servers when traffic arrives, shows a waiting screen, and redirects when ready. By [tvup](https://github.com/tvup). (Container Operations / Reverse Proxy)
- fucking-awesome-docker - idle-less - Reverse proxy with automatic Wake-on-LAN — wakes sleeping backend servers when traffic arrives, shows a waiting screen, and redirects when ready. By [tvup](https://github.com/tvup). (Container Operations / Reverse Proxy)
- awesome-networking - idle-less - A Docker-based nginx reverse proxy that wakes sleeping servers via Wake-on-LAN (WoL), enabling energy-efficient homelab setups by letting machines power down when idle. (Software and Tools / Other tools)
- fucking-awesome-raspberry-pi - idle-less - Docker-based nginx reverse proxy that wakes sleeping servers via Wake-on-LAN, ideal for energy-saving Raspberry Pi homelabs. (Projects)
- awesome-raspberry-pi - idle-less - Docker-based nginx reverse proxy that wakes sleeping servers via Wake-on-LAN, ideal for energy-saving Raspberry Pi homelabs. (Projects)
README
# idle-less
[](https://hub.docker.com/r/tvup/reverse-proxy)
[](https://hub.docker.com/r/tvup/wakeforce)
[](LICENSE)
**Your servers sleep. Traffic wakes them.**
A Docker-based reverse proxy with built-in Wake-on-LAN. Visitors hit your domain, the server boots automatically, and traffic flows — all in seconds.
## How it works
```
Internet → idle-less (reverse proxy) → Backend server
↓ (if server is sleeping)
Wakeforce gateway
↓
Sends Wake-on-LAN packet
↓
Server boots → traffic flows
```
1. Traffic arrives at your domain
2. idle-less checks if the backend server is online
3. If offline, Wakeforce sends a Wake-on-LAN magic packet
4. Visitors see a professional waiting screen while the server boots
5. Once online, traffic is proxied seamlessly
## Quick start
```bash
curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/tvup/idle-less/master/install.sh | bash
```
The interactive installer will guide you through:
- Domain and backend configuration
- SSL certificate setup (Let's Encrypt compatible)
- Wakeforce Wake-on-LAN settings
- Docker Compose generation
### Docker images
```bash
docker pull tvup/reverse-proxy:latest
docker pull tvup/wakeforce:latest
```
### Installation modes
| Mode | Command | Description |
|------|---------|-------------|
| Reverse proxy + Wakeforce | `bash install.sh --wakeforce` | Full setup with WoL |
| Reverse proxy only | `bash install.sh` | Proxy without WoL |
| Wakeforce standalone | `bash install.sh --wakeforce-only` | WoL gateway with direct port mapping |
## Features
- **Automatic Wake-on-LAN** — Magic packets sent when sleeping servers receive traffic
- **SSL / HTTPS** — Full SSL termination with Let's Encrypt support
- **Multi-domain** — Route unlimited domains to different backend servers
- **Multi-platform** — Native Docker images for AMD64 and ARM64 (Raspberry Pi, Synology, QNAP)
- **One-command install** — Interactive setup generates all configuration automatically
- **Professional waiting screen** — Visitors see a polished status page with real-time health checks
## Requirements
- Docker with Compose v2
- `curl` for installation
- A server that supports Wake-on-LAN (most modern servers do)
- For Wakeforce: a device on the same LAN as the target servers (e.g., Raspberry Pi)
## Configuration
After installation, configuration is managed through the `.env` file:
```env
DOMAIN_1_HOSTNAME=app.example.com
DOMAIN_1_IP=192.168.1.50
DOMAIN_1_PORT=3080
DOMAIN_1_USE_SSL=yes
DOMAIN_1_CONFIG=wakeforce
DOMAIN_1_IDLE_SERVICE=wakeforce_1:8182
DOMAIN_1_MAC=D8:9E:F3:12:D0:10
DOMAIN_1_BROADCAST=192.168.1.255
```
Multiple domains are supported via the `DOMAIN_{i}_*` pattern.
## Architecture
```
┌──────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Docker Host (e.g., Raspberry Pi) │
│ │
│ ┌─────────────────┐ ┌──────────────┐ │
│ │ reverse-proxy │ │ wakeforce │ │
│ │ (nginx) │──│ (gateway) │ │
│ │ :80 :443 │ │ WoL + UI │ │
│ └─────────────────┘ └──────────────┘ │
│ │ bridge │ macvlan │
└─────────┼───────────────────┼────────────┘
│ │
┌─────┴─────┐ ┌──────┴──────┐
│ Internet │ │ LAN (WoL) │
└───────────┘ └─────────────┘
```
## Power savings
A typical homelab server draws 100-200W when idle. With idle-less, it sleeps when not in use:
| | Without idle-less | With idle-less |
|--|---|---|
| Idle draw | ~120W (server) | ~5W (Raspberry Pi) |
| Annual cost (@ €0.30/kWh) | €315/year | €13/year |
| **Savings** | | **~€300/year** |
The Wakeforce license pays for itself within weeks.
## Pricing
The reverse proxy is **free and open source** (MIT license).
The Wakeforce Wake-on-LAN gateway requires a one-time license:
| Tier | Price | Servers |
|------|-------|---------|
| Personal | €29 | Up to 2 |
| Pro | €79 | Up to 10 |
| Business | €199 | Unlimited |
One-time payment. No subscription. License key delivered instantly.
**[Buy a license →](https://tvup.github.io/idle-less/#pricing)**
## License
This repository (install scripts, configuration tools, and documentation) is licensed under [MIT](LICENSE).
The **Wakeforce** Docker image (`tvup/wakeforce`) requires a [license key](https://tvup.github.io/idle-less/#pricing).
## Links
- [Landing page](https://tvup.github.io/idle-less/) — product overview and pricing
- [Live demo](https://tvup.github.io/idle-less/demo.html) — simulated Wakeforce boot sequence
- [Changelog](CHANGELOG.md) — release history and what's new
- [Security policy](SECURITY.md) — vulnerability reporting
---
Built by [Torben IT ApS](mailto:info@torbenit.dk) · CVR 39630605