I have my MacBook Pro 15 late 2011, with the newer airport card, and running the Continuity Activation Tool to gain Bluetooth 4.0.
With it being linked to my iPhone 5, sometimes the notification to unlock my Mac appears and the knock action works even when the app is closed. Awesome!!!
This app really helps when you are too lazy to type in your password all the time
Rushil kisoon about Knock – unlock your Mac without a password using your iPhone and Apple Watch