Why it's a terrible idea to turn off your router every night or when you leave the house. This is what occurs to it
Even if you're one of those people who decide to turn off your router every night or every time you leave the house, there are various reasons why you might change your mind. Not only because your home will be without internet access, but also for the sake of the router itself. For this reason, it's helpful to understand in more detail what the simple act of turning off your router regularly entails.
There are specific times when it's a good idea to turn off this device that allows us to access the internet. For example, when there's a connection problem or when we want to manually update the router. In these cases, there's no other option but to turn it off. Not only is it a good way to fix the error in question, but it's also a mandatory step during updates.
- What happens if I always turn it off?
First, if you're someone with a smart home, it won't be a problem to cut off your internet connection. This is because you'll lose remote control of the smart devices in your home, from electrical outlets and light bulbs to the video surveillance system you installed. So, it's not just the impact you have every night, but also every time you leave the house, due to the lack of internet access. And that's just the beginning.
For example, one of the problems that arise from turning off your router every night is related to updates. Most of these devices update automatically. Typically, the time chosen to install new firmware with their security patches is at night. This way, the computer reboots itself once the update is downloaded. Now, if you turn it off at night, technically, these devices won't be able to update. So, you'll have to do it manually, which not all users know how to do.
Additionally, there are two other drawbacks you should be aware of: it reduces the lifespan of the router, and if you have a landline, it won't work. As for the first point, constantly turning it off will shorten its lifespan earlier than expected, as it is designed to be continuously on. Therefore, it can last for weeks without stopping. On the other hand, a landline won't work because it relies on a fiber router.
So, in general, simply shutting down this equipment constantly will not only reduce its useful life but will also lead to poorer performance. Essentially, as we mentioned earlier, these devices are designed to be always on. So when is it best to shut them down? The most obvious examples are if you notice a poor connection, overheating, or if you manually update it. But you'll almost certainly find other times when you need to restart or shut it down.