do you switch off your modem and/or router?

**raycarey** · 17-12-2009, 11:17 AM

i recently purchased a linksys wireless router, and it doesn't have a power switch...the only way to cut the power is to unplug it.

and that got me thinking....is it necessary to switch off the modem that was given to me by my ISP, or can they both be left on 24/7?

any thoughts?

**Davis Knowlton** · 17-12-2009, 11:18 AM

Leave mine on 24/7. No problems.

**Norton** · 17-12-2009, 11:34 AM

^Agree. Depending on the power where you are, it might be a good idea to switch it off to prevent power spikes from damaging it. If you decide to turn off power, plug it into a power strip with switch rather than pulling the plug all the time.

**MeMock** · 17-12-2009, 11:58 AM

24/7 at my place and just discovered 30 minutes ago that i still get a full signal at my local restaurant 50 metres away.

**Davis Knowlton** · 17-12-2009, 12:01 PM

^That's pretty cool. Got to try it.

**AntRobertson** · 17-12-2009, 12:04 PM

24/7 with me. But just lately I've been having problems with it - almost like it 'stalls' and blocks web access. Re-start and it's fine again though.

**baldrick** · 17-12-2009, 01:23 PM

if it is secured correctly then do not worry about it - if you are using WEP then it is not secured correctly

Originally Posted by AntRobertson

almost like it 'stalls' and blocks web access

this can happen when the ammount of connections left open fills up the routers RAM - even when you close on your computer , connections are left open , idle , until they reach the set idle time out

**AntRobertson** · 17-12-2009, 01:31 PM

Originally Posted by baldrick

i

Originally Posted by AntRobertson

almost like it 'stalls' and blocks web access

this can happen when the ammount of connections left open fills up the routers RAM - even when you close on your computer , connections are left open , idle , until they reach the set idle time out

Ahhh that makes sense, it tends to happen most when I've got torrents d/l'ing and also using the web browser (which I'm guessing 'uses' more connections?)

**Boon Mee** · 17-12-2009, 01:34 PM

Do you leave your computer on 24/7? Tough question I guess...

**raycarey** · 17-12-2009, 01:35 PM

Originally Posted by baldrick

if it is secured correctly then do not worry about it - if you are using WEP then it is not secured correctly

i'm using WPA.

**Wallalai** · 17-12-2009, 01:48 PM

On 24/7 and powered through a UPS like all of my electronic appliance.

watterinja · 17-12-2009, 02:16 PM

On 24/7 unless I plan to be away from home for a few days.

I get a similar problem to Ant from time to time. Now I know what to check.

Originally Posted by MeMock

24/7 at my place and just discovered 30 minutes ago that i still get a full signal at my local restaurant 50 metres away.

Set the transmitting power level down a little, to just cover your usage range.

Failing that, you'll have band-width pirates grabbing your free service.

**Fondles** · 17-12-2009, 02:19 PM

Originally Posted by Wallalai

On 24/7 and powered through a UPS like all of my electronic appliance.

Same same here as well.

**Norton** · 17-12-2009, 02:20 PM

Originally Posted by Wallalai

UPS like all of my electronic appliance.

Always a good idea when connected to the Thai power grid.

**Marmite the Dog** · 17-12-2009, 04:32 PM

24/7 and now I even have a UPS (and it works!).

**MeMock** · 17-12-2009, 04:35 PM

Originally Posted by watterinja

Originally Posted by MeMock

24/7 at my place and just discovered 30 minutes ago that i still get a full signal at my local restaurant 50 metres away.

Set the transmitting power level down a little, to just cover your usage range.

Failing that, you'll have band-width pirates grabbing your free service.

But I like it that strong as I eat there quite often so now can work while I eat.

Obviously it is password protected so hopefully it is just me using it.

**larvidchr** · 17-12-2009, 04:54 PM

I switch my Belkin wireless router off at night/when sleeping, I have it connected via a surge protector where it is easy to switch it off, no need to leave it on when not in use since it always connects almost instantly when turned back on.

When the connection sometimes slow down I also find that switching the router off and back on gives me the connection speed back.

My Belkin is also without a power switch so I place the surge protector within convenient reach.

As security it has wpa- invisible mode and mac add. control so it should be pretty difficult to use my bandwith so that is not the reason for turning it off when not in use, just there is no need for it to run.

**Seank** · 17-12-2009, 05:33 PM

I leave mine (linksys wireless router aswell ) on for weeks on end (and my PC). But I only use one router, no need to use 2.

**ItsRobsLife** · 17-12-2009, 06:29 PM

Ray if you don't leave it on 24/7 the CIA won't be able to get in through the backdoor when you're asleep, now you wouldn't want that to happen, would you..?

**blackgang** · 17-12-2009, 07:39 PM

I have started to shut mind down when I am not using it and at night, altho it is powered thru my UPS as is everything on my desk,
But it seems from what I hear from the Rat Pak over in MKP that there is someone getting into my PC at night and deleting posts that I do not make so I think if I shut it down then when I am on I might be able to see these Rude and disrespectful posts I do not make that are deleted before I get a chance to see them.

**thaibulge** · 18-12-2009, 11:46 AM

Originally Posted by raycarey

i recently purchased a linksys wireless router, and it doesn't have a power switch...the only way to cut the power is to unplug it.

and that got me thinking....is it necessary to switch off the modem that was given to me by my ISP, or can they both be left on 24/7?

any thoughts?

Leave it running 7/11 if you are downloading, no problems. Otherwise it's better to switch it off overnight, as you save electricity & the unit will last longer.

DaffyDuck · 18-12-2009, 01:02 PM

Those of you doing it, shutting down your router every night is the best way to protect yourself and your appliances - in fact, you should shut it off every single instance that you're not using it, just to be safe as well.

(Hint: powering an electronic appliance, particularly repeatedly, places more stress on its components than leaving it on 24/7 - i.e. hastens a possible demise. Either way, the advice and habits by the smarter members of this forum, keeping electronic appliances attached via a UPS, can not be stressed enough. In the meantime, keep shutting on and off - and those with a UPS, be sure to power down the UPS as well. I have a couple of luddite acquaintances who are equally lacking of a clue)

**baldrick** · 18-12-2009, 06:36 PM

my linksys ( 54gl ) and modem runs all the time - UPS - along with a NAS and IPcams and a headless mini fujitsu P3 that runs my torrent client. the 54GL has a openVPN server running so I can connect to my home network from where ever , use its Wake on Lan client to issue the magic packet to any other machine I desire to wake up.

if you are worried about security , I would suggest you read/ask and learn how to secure your equipment - if you are worried about power draw maybe you should look to using smoke signals to communicate.

**thaibulge** · 19-12-2009, 07:08 AM

My 54GL blew up due to overgeating.

**AjarnJonesy** · 19-12-2009, 12:00 PM

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

24/7 and now I even have a UPS (and it works!).

Agreed ... 24/7 and a UPS is the way to go....
If you are using wireless make sure it is set up with WPA.

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