Broadband on all the time or off

Sprinkly

I don't like leaving my broadband router switched on all day when I'm not at home. Will turning it off affect it?

[Deleted User]

It will reduce your line speed.

Why don't you like leaving it on? Does it get up to no good while you're out?

Neil_Jones

Switch it off if you must but don't be surprised if your internet speed drops.

If its power usage you're worried about, a router costs about £5 a year if that to run. If its heat and you think it's going to burst into flames, first of all give it plenty of ventilation (which you should do anyway) and they don't run that hot. If you think other people can get onto it, change your wireless key and network name regularly.

unforeseen

My router has sat in my attic, switched on, for the last 7 years. It doesn't even get a rest when we have a power failure as it is connected to a UPS.

[Deleted User]

Just checked and my Vodafone router has up for 39 days, 21 hours and 32 minutes (an exciting post I know).

Sprinkly

Thanks all I suspected that my speed might be reduced but wasn't sure if I did turn it off so I'll leave it on..��

Neil_Jones

Any speed reductions caused by your powering the router off will only be temporary - leaving it on will eventually maximise the speed your line can get.

Powering the router off is the same, as far as the network is concerned, as dropping the connection. It makes the system think your line can't cope with that speed and knocks you down to a slower speed in the hope of finding you a more stable connection.

wongataa

Neil_Jones wrote: »

Any speed reductions caused by your powering the router off will only be temporary - leaving it on will eventually maximise the speed your line can get.

True, but if you turn off the router every night it will not be on long enough to get back to the max speed.