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Technical News & Discussion => Windows News & Discussion => Topic started by: talos2 on Jan 09, 2009, 10:02:18

Title: Router advice please
Post by: talos2 on Jan 09, 2009, 10:02:18
I have a Belkin wireless broadband modem/router usually left connected and switched on at all times, my question, is it really necessary or advisable to leave it like this?.   I understood that the exchange needed a constant connection for some reason, but on the odd occasion when the router has been off for a while, my speed seems to be slightly increased on reconnection, since the top rated speed of my exchange is only 1.5mb,  I seem to get that whatever happens, I'm not a games player or heavy user so I find that speed adequate.
Title: Re: Router advice please
Post by: g7pkf on Jan 09, 2009, 10:08:09
The power a router draws its not worth the hassle of switching it off.

if you use a wireless laptop away from the router i wouldnt worry about turning it off, if its just main pc next to router makes no odds.

But routers genrally send a "dying gasp" to exchange so as long as you only turn it on/off once (or at most twice) in a hour you should not get any problems. exchanges get flappy if they see more than (5 i think) off/ons in an hour and then start reducing your speed as they see it as a problem.
Title: Re: Router advice please
Post by: Rik on Jan 09, 2009, 10:16:48
As Dean says, Bob, it's generally not worth turning your router off. OTOH, if you switch it on in the morning and off when you're done at night, it should have no effect on your speed. The only time that would be a problem is if you were trying to 'normalise' a high target noise margin.
Title: Re: Router advice please
Post by: talos2 on Jan 09, 2009, 17:01:52
 :ithank:

Thanks guys, I guess I'll leave well alone then.
Title: Re: Router advice please
Post by: MoHux on Jan 09, 2009, 17:19:41
 :eyebrow:  I think a fire-alarm in the same room would be a good idea if you leave it on !!

I switch mine off overnight with no adverse effects.

Mo
:)
Title: Re: Router advice please
Post by: Sebby on Jan 09, 2009, 21:54:11
Quote from: MoHux on Jan 09, 2009, 17:19:41
:eyebrow:  I think a fire-alarm in the same room would be a good idea if you leave it on !!

I think electronics are fairly safe these days. :P
Title: Re: Router advice please
Post by: Lance on Jan 10, 2009, 00:21:31
Unless a squirell chews though the cables ;)
Title: Re: Router advice please
Post by: Rik on Jan 10, 2009, 10:16:14
But that's not electronics, Lance. :)
Title: Re: Router advice please
Post by: talos2 on Jan 10, 2009, 11:45:15
Another question, my wireless router has two antennas, rubber flexible type, would it be possible to extend the cabling on these and put them somewhere else in order to improve the range?, perhaps somebody with a bit of experience in radio transmission may know.
Title: Re: Router advice please
Post by: Rik on Jan 10, 2009, 11:48:36
It depends on how they are attached, Bob, but it can be done with some routers, and it's possible to get directional or higher-gain antennae.
Title: Re: Router advice please
Post by: talos2 on Jan 10, 2009, 11:55:08
They just appear to be on a thread, would I need shielded cabling for the extension?
Title: Re: Router advice please
Post by: Rik on Jan 10, 2009, 11:57:25
The ones I have seen, Bob, have used BNC connections with, I presume, an RG58 shielded cable (at least that was the cable we used to use with thin ethernet...).
Title: Re: Router advice please
Post by: Rik on Jan 10, 2009, 11:58:49
Maplin (http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?C=SO&U=strat310&T=Galway&ModuleNo=38211&ma=Galway+-+High+Gain+Omni-Directional+Swivel+Wireless+Antenna) has this offering...
Title: Re: Router advice please
Post by: talos2 on Jan 10, 2009, 12:03:18
Thanks Rik, thats just the job, I just need to figure how to fit a sma connector.
Title: Re: Router advice please
Post by: Rik on Jan 10, 2009, 12:04:43
There's another at Play.com. (http://www.play.com/PC/PCs/4-/5984023/High-Gain-Wireless-Network-Antenna-LAN-6dBi-Aerial/Product.html?cm_mmc=Froogle-_-PC-_-Networking-_-High%2BGain%2BWireless%2BNetwork%2BAntenna%2BLAN%2B6dBi%2BAerial&source=5066&engine=froogle_pc&keyword=High+Gain+Wireless+Network+Antenna+LAN+6dBi+Aerial)
Title: Re: Router advice please
Post by: Rik on Jan 10, 2009, 12:05:58
And a whole bunch here. (http://uk.wifi-link.com/)
Title: Re: Router advice please
Post by: talos2 on Jan 10, 2009, 12:08:02
Touch expensive that one, you could almost buy a range extender for that money.
Title: Re: Router advice please
Post by: Rik on Jan 10, 2009, 12:08:46
I'm just aiming for completeness. ;)
Title: Re: Router advice please
Post by: talos2 on Jan 10, 2009, 12:10:27
Quote from: Rik on Jan 10, 2009, 12:05:58
And a whole bunch here. (http://uk.wifi-link.com/)
Thanks, got to something there ;D