Is your home Wi-Fi getting slower over time? The main reason might be that your router has been left on for too long. How often should routers be turned off? Is your router placed correctly? Let’s clarify things.
What happens if the router is left on for a long time?
Routers have a cache, similar to how your phone prompts you to clear its cache after a certain period of use. If the router is left on too long, it accumulates too much data in its cache, slowing your Internet speed. This is because the router transmits and receives various signals, all stored in the cache. Usually, you need to go into the router settings to clear it. If that seems too complicated, you can turn off the router to let it self-clean.
Sometimes, even when your phone is connected to Wi-Fi with complete signal strength, you might still experience slow or no Internet. Restarting routers often solves this issue. If left on continuously, this problem arises because routers can malfunction intermittently.
Although routers consume little power and generate little heat, continuous operation can keep the internal components at a high temperature, accelerating their aging. This shortens the device’s lifespan and increases the likelihood of malfunctions.
If you’ve ruled out the above reasons and your internet is still slow, consider whether someone might be leeching off your Wi-Fi.
Should you restart your router daily?
Frequent power cycling can cause electrical surges that shorten the router’s lifespan. Therefore, it’s unnecessary to turn off your router every day. Wireless routers are designed to handle extended periods of operation, so it is recommended that you turn off your router once a week.
Is your router positioned correctly?
Wi-Fi signals are radio waves similar to the electromagnetic waves emitted by phones or radios. However, Wi-Fi signals have a relatively short wavelength, usually around 12 centimeters. Therefore, the farther you are from the router, the weaker the signal becomes.
To maximize Wi-Fi reception, place the router in the central part of your home. This allows the signal to spread evenly in all directions. If you live in a multi-story house or duplex, placing the router on the second floor is advisable.
Make sure the router is placed in an open area. If you have a router with two antennas, position one vertically and the other horizontally. If it has four antennas, arrange them at various angles (vertical, horizontal, diagonal) to ensure they point in different directions, enhancing Wi-Fi coverage and signal strength.
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