Shut Off Router/Modem When Not In Use?

[Amie]

Should I shut off my router (AirPort base station) and modem when I'm not using it? Will it hurt anything to shut it off every night when I go to bed and turn it back on the next day, re-syncing the router and modem every time? The reason I do this is because: 1) security reasons – I don't want my signal floating around out there if I'm not even using it, making it more susceptible to "snoopers"; and 2) the router gets really warm sometimes, so I just feel safer sleeping with it shut off.

 

[barhar]

You do not have to turn OFF the Airport Base Station, ABS, when not using it. If you do want to turn it OFF for the evening, till morning - purchase an AC timer.

Turning ON / OFF the ABS daily, will not 'hurt' it.

'I don't want my signal floating around out there if I'm not even using it, making it more susceptible to "snoopers";' - if you mean - accessible by others, then configure the ABS to only allow access by your Mac(s), and / or other computer(s).

'... the router gets really warm sometimes, so I just feel safer sleeping with it shut off.' - warm is one thing, hot is another. Just make sure the ABS is properly ventilated.

 

[sinclair_tm]

my dad has been turning his router and modem off when not in use for as long as he has had them, and that can mean several times a day, and has never had any problems. in fact, in the same time peroid, a buddy of mine that never turns them off has gone through a couple routers and modems.

 

[ElDiabloConCaca]

Just as a side note, I haven't turned my router or modem off in 4 years. They're warm to the touch, but function absolutely flawlessly.

There is absolutely no harm in leaving them on 24/7. There's also no harm in turning them off as well... it's all a matter of personal preference.

 

[Amie]

Great! Thanks a lot for the replies and clarification. As usual, you guys are a big help.

 

[scruffy]

As you can tell by the warmth - those things are using power all the time. And their power converters use power too. To reduce power consumption, I put the router, modem & printer on the same power bar as my computer, and try to remember to turn off the power bar after I shut down the computer.