In this digital age, routers have become indispensable "invisible heroes" in our daily lives. It silently provides us with network services behind the scenes, whether it is watching dramas, playing games, or telecommuting, the role of the router is everywhere.
However, the usage habits of the router, especially "whether it can be left on all the time", is a rather controversial topic. Today, let's dig deeper into this question, explore the truth about the use of routers, and some important knowledge points that you may have overlooked.
First, the hidden dangers of the router being on for a long time First of all, let's be clear: although the router can work for a long time, it doesn't mean that it's a good idea to leave it on all the time. Here are some reasons to pay attention to:
1. Overheating Problem The router generates heat when it is running, and if it is not shut down for a long time, the internal temperature will keep rising. Not only will this slow down your device's performance, but it can also affect your internet speed. Imagine that you are watching an important live game and suddenly the internet speed freezes, which is simply maddening!
2. Component aging When electronic devices are working, the accumulation of heat will accelerate the aging of components, especially power modules and heat sinks. If it is not shut down for a long time, the life of the router may be greatly reduced, which will eventually lead to the occurrence of failure.
3. Cached Data Accumulation The router generates cached data while it is running, and if it is not rebooted regularly, this data can accumulate too much, resulting in degraded network performance. A well-timed reboot can help clear these caches and restore the router to its optimal state.
2. The necessity of regular reboot In order to ensure the normal operation of the router, it is recommended to restart it regularly once a week. Not only does this clear the cache, but it also helps keep the device in good working order. You can set a reminder to make sure your router gets plenty of "rest".
3. Energy-saving tips In addition to regular restarts, there are some tips that can help you save money on your electricity bill.
1. Timed shutdown function Many modern routers come with a timed shutdown feature. You can set the router to automatically turn off in the middle of the night, saving power and reducing the wear and tear of your device. This is a very useful feature for families who don't need to use the Internet at night.
2. Turn on Power Saver Some routers support Power Saver Mode, which automatically reduces power consumption when not in use. Turning on this feature can help you save money on your electricity bill without affecting your internet usage.
4. How to Choose the Right Router When it comes to choosing a router, many people may get lost in a wide variety of brands and models. Here are a few tips to help you make an informed choice:
1. Understand your home's needs First, you need to understand your family's network needs. If you have a large number of family members and use a large number of devices, it is recommended to choose a router that supports dual band to ensure a stable connection.
2. Focus on speed and coverage When choosing a router, it's important to focus not only on its speed but also on coverage. Especially for large households, it is recommended to choose a router with wider signal coverage to ensure that every corner can enjoy a smooth network.
3. Update your firmware regularly Once you buy your router, it's important to update its firmware regularly. Firmware updates not only fix known security vulnerabilities, but also optimize device performance and make your online experience smoother.
5. Correct Router Placement You may not know that the placement of the router has a direct impact on signal strength. Here are some suggestions for placement:
1. Height Placement Placing the router in a higher position can help the signal travel better. The ideal height is about 1.5 meters to avoid obstruction with furniture and other items.
2. Avoid metal objects Metal objects can seriously interfere with signal transmission, so when placing the router, try to stay away from refrigerators, microwave ovens and other electrical appliances.
3. Avoid Walls Walls can block the signal, so avoid placing the router in a corner to make sure its signal can cover the entire space.
6. The relationship between optical modems and routers Many people will use optical modems as network access devices when using optical fiber broadband. Optical modems usually have WiFi capabilities as well, but do you know its limitations?
1. Limited signal coverage Most optical modems have a small wireless coverage, especially in terms of wall penetration, which is difficult to compete with high-end routers. Therefore, many families still choose to install a router behind the optical modem to enhance the signal.
2. Speed Limit The performance of optical modems is generally limited, although it can provide basic Internet access functions, but the demand for large traffic and high-speed Internet access is obviously not ideal.
7. Network cable selection When decorating, it is very important to choose the right network cable. It is generally recommended to use a CAT6e or higher network cable to ensure the stability and speed of the network and avoid signal attenuation caused by network cable quality problems.
8. Whole house networking scheme For large households, it is often difficult to cover each area with a single router. In this case, you can consider the following networking solutions:
1. Mesh Networking The Mesh router system works together through multiple nodes, which can achieve wider signal coverage and is suitable for large-area household use.
2. Wired networking If conditions permit, choosing a wired networking solution can provide a more stable connection. Although the wiring is troublesome, in actual use, the smoothness of the network will be greatly improved.
Conclusion As an indispensable device in our lives, the use and management of routers is an issue that every family should pay attention to.
While routers can work for a long time, regular reboots and timely shutdowns can improve their performance and extend their lifespan. I hope that through today's sharing, you can have a deeper understanding of routers and ensure that you can swim smoothly in the online world! If you have any other questions, or want to know more about routers, please leave a message in the comment area to discuss, and we'll see you next time!