Modem/Router On 24/7?

[Suradit]

I switched from TOT to 3BB 8Mb/1Mb service. It's great.

The only problem is that when I first start up the computer and turn on the modem/router (Billion BIPAC 5210SRC) it usually takes from 10 to 15 minutes for me to connect to the Internet with my browser for the first time. After that I never have lost the connection or had any speed issues.

The 4 lights on the modem turn green. When I open the status page for the modem using the browser it indicates I'm connected, but when I try to connect to any website I get the "unable to connect" screen. I try switching off the modem for a bit and switching it on again. After doing that a few times, whether because of that or not, I eventually am able to connect to the Internet without any further problems.

I did a search on the Internet to see whether one should or should not leave the modem/router on always or switch it off at night when I turn off the computer and the "experts" variously and emphatically claimed "you should leave it on always," " you should turn it off when not in use" and "it doesn't matter." So, I'll turn to this highly esteemed forum.

In general does it matter whether it is or is not left on always and might that be the reason it seems to take some time before I make an initial connected to the Internet at startup each day?

Thanks

[garyh]

Best answer is C, doesn't matter.

[Spoonman]

Mine runs 24/7 without issue, occasionally I shut it down for a reboot when the wifi connection to my Xbox360 goes on the spaz.

[sulasno]

swtich it off if you are concern with the electricity bill;

otherwise leave it on 365

[BB1950]

I really doesn't matter. I leave mine on 24/7 and I know plenty that turn it off every night.

Just be aware, it does take some time to establish a connection. Just be patient.

[Suradit]

I really doesn't matter. I leave mine on 24/7 and I know plenty that turn it off every night.

Just be aware, it does take some time to establish a connection. Just be patient.

OK. Thanks to everyone. I'm inclined to want to switch things off if they're not in use and they won't be for a long time, but I wasn't sure if that was creating a problem.

As you suggest, I'll just have to be patient. After so many years of deplorable service with TOT, I tend to assume the worst if the browser doesn't connect right away.

[trogers]

Those who run torrents will have it connected 24/7, with occasional power cycling.

I will turn it off if I am going away for a few days to a few weeks. Other than this, it's connected 24/7.

[siamect]

I really doesn't matter. I leave mine on 24/7 and I know plenty that turn it off every night.

Just be aware, it does take some time to establish a connection. Just be patient.

If it takes long time there is something wrong and you should notify your provider...

Martin

[Spoonman]

If it takes long time there is something wrong and you should notify your provider...

Martin

True that, a reboot for me takes about 1.5 minutes till im back online.

[Pib]

I have the Billion RC5210 modem with my TOT service. Takes about 2 minutes to established a DSL connection when it resets. Fortunately, I've never had to reset it to regain a connection as my TOT 4Mb connection has been very reliable...it only resets itself automatically when I lose electric power for a few seconds which sometimes happens about every other day.

Just leave the modem on all the time..that's what I do...to include the router. Both are designed to run 24/7, burn very little electricity, and you will have immediate internet connection when firing up your computer.

Most electronic devices nowdays are designed to run 24/7 like your TV on standby, your cable/satellite TV box on standby, your microwave running its clock, your cordless phones, etc...etc...etc. Now, if you are concerned about a few baht increase in your electric bill or possibly getting them damaged in a lighting storm, then turn them all off "and be sure to unplug them from the wall also" as lighting just jumps over mere on/off switches. Be sure to disconnect your cable/satellite TV boxes from the TV cable input also to keep the lighting from coming in on the RG6 cable. Now if you go somewhere for a few days, then turning everything off/unhooking connections ain't a bad idea.

Summary: leave the modem plugged in and running....it's designed to run 24/7.

[asiawatcher]

I have four routers across two buildings and they are ever turned off. They are also on UPS so remain on in blackouts. They do not draw sufficient power to warrant 'savings' by shutting down. But I did get rid of the Billions for ZyXels when I went to G and N series routers - they just weren't up to standard.