Wireless router : 24/7 or as needed?

nbt

Just set up my wireless network here at home. I'm using an all-in-one router / firewall / switch / ADSLmodem thingummy

The old PC is connected to the router using an ethernet cable and will become Mrs NBT's computer that I can use when I need to test something I'm developing.

I'll be using my laptop which will be connecting wirelessly (note: the wireless network's just gone down, d'oh! hope itcomes back up before I need tosend this)

Anyway, the simple question is, should I leave the router on 24/7, or should I switch it off when not in use?

(update : bloody wireless network's gone down,I've had to go upstairs and plg in an ethenet cable!)

Sterling_geezer

I have a netgear wireless broadband modem/router and I leave it on all the time. The main reason is that if I switch it off then when it reboots it has to redial and connect to the ISP - which can take ages. Broadband is designed to be an always on system.
I haven't the faintest idea how much electricity the router uses when on butnot being used. I would guess it wouldn't be much as its not exchanging info.

Oh and another thing, make sure you switch on all the security features and change the default password. Apparently loads of people forget and it leaves your connection open for anyone to hijack and use.

Hope that helps a bit,

Sterling.

credit-card-tart

Good advice Sterling, make sure all security is turned on.

Also some routers allow you to set the MAC address (machine's network card address) So that if you have an "open" wireless system, unless the MAC addresses match then they can't use your wireless connection.

newfoundglory

I think its true to say most network hardware, especially hardware for routing, is designed to stay on pretty much permanently. Of course, as previous posts have said, just make sure you all the router security on and set up correctly - the standard encryption, MAC address filtering, firewall on and changing the router administration panel password.

I'd only turn the router off if you are going to be away from the house for a number of days and weeks (eg vacation).

nbt

Cheers all

All security is enabled, just that being a bit eco-concscious we prefer to turn things off rather than leave them running or on stand-by, unless there's a good reason : i.e. TV is always swtched off, but fridge is always turned on!

I'll probably keep switching it off. It'll be good exercise for me to run upstairs and switch it on when I come in, and to be honest I haven;t noticed any delay in connecting so far.