The Wi-Fi router is one of the most used devices at home to provide the internet network and connect computers and mobile phones. So it stays on all day. Should it be turned off when not in use or not? and how often? Here are some answers.
To meet a constant desire to stay connected, many people use Wi-Fi all day long, sometimes even at night. Others, on the contrary, prefer to deactivate it in order to reduce their energy consumption. Then discover some information that will tell you the right way to handle this device.
Should the router be left on all the time?
Opinions are not settled on the question. Leaving the router on, however, seems to have some significant benefits. It is then necessary to take note of it to adapt our way of using it.
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Router turned on allows access to Wi-Fi at any time
Wifi switched on in the living room – Source: spm
One of the benefits of leaving the router on all the time is that it provides unlimited access to the internet. For this reason, this device was designed to work 24/7, according to howtogeek. By turning off the device for more than fifteen seconds, the restart can trigger the negotiation of a new IP address with the internet provider. While this will eventually improve connection speed and network stability, it may take several minutes and prevent you from connecting.
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Router life is extended
Although there is not a wide consensus on this, it would seem that repeatedly turning off the router can potentially shorten its lifespan. Indeed, thePowering up would not be beneficial to components of this device which are prepared for continuous operation. These are in fact designed in such a way as to benefit from a rest period when the network is not in demand. So if you want to maintain the performance of your device, it is useless to turn it off daily. Of course, a router that is not used for a long month must be deactivated.
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Backing up data to the cloud also depends on the router
Cloud – Source: spm
Some Internet users prefer to turn off the router at night. However, these ignore some drawbacks related to data storage. By turning off the device regularly, they can indeed interrupt automatic backups to the cloud. These can indeed be configured in advance on the PC, smartphone or tablet. Some backup services such as Apple iCloud for example, often take advantage of certain moments of inactivity to upload data to their server.
“Periodically” turning off the router can be useful
Although it is best to keep it on, the Wi-Fi router should be restarted at least once every two months. It is recommended that you observe this time limit to maintain computer network reliability and device performance. Disabling it periodically could indeed help you improve the device’s connection speed, solve minor problems and make corrective updates. In addition, the router can also be a gateway for other connected devices in the house. Turning it off could prevent potential hackers from accessing the home network. Finally, if you want to make small savings on your electricity bill, turning off the router could indeed help, even if the annual amount saved is paltry but when combined with other gestures and other devices. energy-intensive, the savings can be greater, depending on expertise-energie.fr
Keeping the router on seems to be the smartest way to extend its lifespan and performance. However, to ensure greater efficiency, a periodic restart cannot be excluded.
Read also Security vulnerability: if your Wi-Fi router is on this list, you must update it immediately
Via SPM
