Wireless Routers

[eltell]

Is it ok to turn off my wireless router at the end of the day?

[Ethel]

Yes

[ACtheTROLL]

no
(ethel - cable is slightly different ;)
this only applies via landline
the service is described as always on - the exchange equipment (despite what ppl think) is actually just a dial up.

the equipment is adaptive depending on use ... and also often updates (to isp provided routers) and windows is done overnight.
it's the exchange equipment that can be a little reluctant to re-connect
it's designed to be left on - and expected to only disconnect due to problems.

routers with internal power units (not many these days) are also best left on because they run quite hot


I always recommend leaving the PC on one night every week so that scheduled updates can take place.

[Ethel]

I can't agree with you there, Ac.

Many of my friends are non-cable and only turn the router on when needed, without problems - primarily to save energy.

[ACtheTROLL]

No problem eth - this is the unoficial line from the UK's biggest ISP (the one the others get their service from!!)

a chum works on the kit and that's what he says

I have smart plugs which turn most of my room off when the PCs power down ... but not the routers

[ACtheTROLL]

ethel

I've just seen the posters name ....
are they an anagram of yours?

[eltell]

Thank you all for your reply,now i am as confused as i was at the start, the modem i am referring to is supplied by "Tiscali"the laptop is a "Acer Aspire 5920"

[ACtheTROLL]

we often do that

ethel says yes - and adds saving power
which is very green - and propper

I say no - based on the opinion of a couple of guys who work on the actual equipment. (but it is just their opinion)

it appears that neither of us have problems (I used to with my first broadband USB modem) as a result of our opinions .....

so I suppose it's up to you and what you do in the rest of the house - if you use standby - leave it on - if you switch everything off at bedtime .... include the router

you can always change your mind if you do and start having difficulties.

[ChuckFickens]

I'll throw in my opinion... which is a no..

As AC say routers and the exchange are adaptive and they learn from each other what the maximum speed is achievable over your line, this process can take anything upto 10-14 days when you first connect the equipment and turning off your router resets this learning procedure.

If you turn your router off every night then it will never full learn what connection speed to use and you may end up either running a lot slower than it could, or worse, faster than your line can support and you will have instable broadband.

Leave it on... it's how they are designed to be used.

[fiesata]

I leave mine on becuase they use little electricity anyway

Answer is after 14 days on BT(or on an ISP who use their equipment ) it won't make any difference

If you're on cable it never matters

The rate adaptive is decided after two weeks and turning of the router at the end of the day will not influence this - there are more factors the equipment looks at like attenuation S/N ratio etc

So in conclusion turn it off if you want but electricity saved is marginal