Broadband Internet Stability

[KARL]

My internet provider has just told me that I must not switch off my router, this when I reported severe instability, lots of drop-outs and short up-time in between. This is a recent piece of advice, previously there was never any problem nor was there anything suggested wrong about switching off - indeed re-booting is something often suggested as a remedy if anything is unsatisfactory. We are all being urged not to leave TVs on standby (we don't), chargers plugged in when not charging anything (fully charged or not even there), etc. This is both from the power usage and fire hazard standpoints. In our case, we are away a lot for extended periods and always switch everything off while away so having to call them up on every return to get them to "reinstate the settings" will be an irritant and a backward step. Not long ago we got a message asking us to leave the router on during a certain period because they were making some changes - certainly not improvements it seems.

Does anyone else's provider do things this way ? Ours is TalkTalk.

[-SharonA-]

When I am at home, I always leave my router on. Now I am away for a couple of months, I have still left it on.

[whiskeryron]

by Bradley Mitchell
Updated February 24, 2017
Most broadband Internet connections stay "always on" - keeping you online at all times. Home network owners often leave their router, broadband modems and other gear powered up and operating constantly, even when not using them for long periods of time, for the sake of convenience.

But is it really a good idea to keep home network equipment always connected? Consider the pros and cons.

Advantages of Powering Down Home Networks
Security: Powering off your gear when not using it improves your network security. When network devices are offline, hackers and Wi-Fi wardrivers cannot target them. Other security measures like firewalls help and are necessary but not bulletproof.

Savings on utility bills: Powering down computers, routers and modems saves money. In some countries, the savings is low, but in other parts of the world, utility costs are significant.
Surge protection: Unplugging network devices prevents them from being damaged by electric power surges. Surge protectors can also prevent this kind of damage; however, surge units (particularly the inexpensive ones) cannot always protect against major power spikes like those from lightning strikes.
Disadvantages of Powering Down Home Networks
Noise reduction: Networking gear is much quieter than it was years ago before loud built-in fans were replaced with solid state cooling systems. Your senses might be adjusted to the relatively low levels of home network noise, but you might also be pleasantly surprised at the added tranquility of a residence without it.
Hardware reliability: Frequently power cycling a computer or other networked device can shorten its working life due to the extra stress involved. Disk drives are particularly susceptible to damage. On the other hand, high temperature also greatly reduces the lifetime of network equipment. Leaving equipment always-on very possibly causes more damage from heat than will powering it down occasionally.
Communication reliability: After power cycling, network connections may sometimes fail to reestablish. Special care must be taken to follow proper start-up procedures. For example, broadband modems generally should be powered on first, then other devices only later, after the modem is ready.
Convenience: Network devices like routers and modems may be installed on ceilings, in basements or other hard-to-reach places. You should shut down these devices gracefully, using the manufacturer-recommend procedure, rather than merely "pulling the plug." Powering down a network takes time to do properly and may seem an inconvenience at first.

The Bottom Line
Home network gear need not be powered on and connected to the Internet at all times. All things considered, turning off your network during extended periods of non-use is a good idea. The security benefit alone makes this a worthwhile endeavor. Because computer networks can be difficult to set up initially, some people naturally fear disrupting it once working. In the long run, though, this practice will increase your confidence and peace of mind as a home network administrator.



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[Tuvok]

The software at the exchange sees switching off as a loss of stability - and will then lower your speed.

[Buenchico]

As Tuvok says, the system periodically sends test signals to determine the maximum speed that your line can handle. (When you first install a router it can take up to 2 weeks for the speed to be fully optimised). If a router is turned off the system sees that as an indication that the line can't handle the current speed and thus reduces it.

Routers should ALWAYS be left ON!

[KARL]

Whiskeryron makes some very good points and I disagree with nothing of what he says. Speed is not an issue for me/us whereas continuity of service is and the simple drudgery of having to contact the provider every time we return from an absence because otherwise we will have an off-on-off-on state of affairs (a few minutes only at a time for the on cycle) is something that is quite new (a couple of months at most) and very irritating. We are away up to six months at a time and I will continue switching off then and, indeed, nightly also as I have done for many years without, until now, any known ill effects. The system is not powered down / turned off until it is not going to be used for many hours (overnight). This is not an issue in other countries we visit so maybe it is even a uniquely British thing, and not the only one either.