Should I unplug my wireless router?

Question

If I unplug my wireless router when not in use, the next time I use it, I'd always have to reset it. I've done that before. Is this OK? I'm afraid I might ruin the signal or the equipment or something like that. I'm worried that it gets hot and that there is electricity consumption while it is always plugged. But I don't want to change settings or have to re-set all the time. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks.

Answer 1

Wireless routers have a tendency to become hot after they have been switched on for any period of time - this is perfectly normal on every wireless router.



Power consumption is not that large, and no worse than leaving your television on standby overnight or your cordless phone plugged in.



Continually un-plugging your router is not a good idea. This will only shorten the working life of the internal components in the router.



In short, you are safe to leave it on overnight. If leaving it on really bothers you, there is usually a power switch on the actual router that can be used to put it in a standby mode without losing your settings.

Answer 2

There should be no issue with unplugging it when not in use. Settings are saved to flash memory but not the kind that resets after a loss of power. In fact, unplugging it during lightning storms for example is a very good idea if you can afford to to do it, to protect the router. However, if the router is unplugged from power but still plugged into the modem that is not unplugged from power, it can still get hit with a surge.



Just how hot does it get? Is it out in the open or is something sitting on top of it? It is not abnormal for a router to get warm even when positioned away from other electronics but it is best to not stack it on top of something or place anything else on top of it. If it is getting to the point where it makes your hand sweat when touching it even when it is positioned properly, then there might be a problem with it. A little bit of warmth is absolutely normal though.

Answer 3

as far as electricity consumption... most wireless home routers use less wattage than your kid's nightlite.

as for heating up. it shouldnt heat up, it has minimal logic internally and if it gets hot when not really covered up by something then it's got a problem.

if it's in a cramped place where other objects make it hot like a computer desk with a big desktop or server then turning it off wont matter anyway.

Answer 4

Ok,



Not gonna bore you with loadsa rubbish.



Dont switch it off.



Power consumption is very very very low.



Yes routers and modems do generally get fairly hot, its normal . so dont worry about that.



your more likely to ruin it by switching it on and off .