The location you choose to stage your home internet termination to your gateway router is extremely important. The outside temperature in your location can have a significant impact on the performance of your router, whether it be an extreme ISP-provided modem or one you own yourself. But, can a router get too cold or too hot?
In general, an internet router can get too cold and too hot. Routers are designed to operate in between 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit. However, they can still work in the coldest temperatures of 0-90 degrees Fahrenheit without being impacted by the extreme cold weather. Broadband gateway routers installed in a garage where temperatures can drop below 0 degrees will operate fine as long as the fiber to the home line is not affected.
Router manufacturers are aware that their merchandise is not designed for extreme winter weather use but relies on customers to regulate the environment in which they are used. If you’re one of the many customers who use their modem in extreme winter conditions, you’ll want to make sure that your router is receiving ample cooling.
Most routers are designed with adequate airflow but there are certain models that can be impacted by cold climate use. When using an outdoor grade router, it’s important to place the unit atop a surface that will allow for heat to dissipate. If you’re operating the router indoors, it’s a good idea to purchase a fan that can blow across the unit. This will help keep your home internet connection nice and steady, even in the coldest conditions.
Do’s And Don’ts When Operating Your Router In Cold Temperatures
At this point, you’re probably asking yourself, “can a router get too cold?” Yes, it certainly can. A proper internet connection is contingent upon having a stable signal with no pixelation or static. If you attempt to use your router in extreme winter conditions without taking precautions, your internet experience will suffer.
To make sure that your home internet equipment operates in extremely cold temperatures, here are some tips to follow:
• Never place your router or modem outdoors in winter weather conditions. If you own an outdoor type unit, make sure that it’s protected from the elements by placing it atop a flat surface which will allow for proper ventilation. Outdoor units are designed to operate in all types of weather but are not designed to be directly exposed to the cold.
• Do not put your router in a dark or enclosed space. A poorly ventilated location will cause your home internet equipment to overheat, which poses the threat of damaging it beyond repair. If you’re using an outdoor type unit, always place it in an area where there’s plenty of light and airflow.
• If you have a unit that retrieves electricity from the home, do not plug it into a switched power strip. This will cause your internet to shut off during times when it’s not being used. Even though switches can significantly reduce input voltage at times, they’re designed for this application which makes them ideal for internet modems.
• If you’re using a model that’s in a dry environment, make sure to avoid placing it on a surface that is prone to collecting moisture. Along the same lines, if your unit is operating in an excessively humid location, install coverings over the ventilation ports so condensation does not form on them and enter your modem.
Does cold weather affect the router?
There’s no doubt that cold weather can cause a significant drop in line throughput and stability. Routers are designed to operate with airflow, so when you place them in cold locations without proper heating or ventilation they overheat until the cold weather causes the functionality of your internet connection to slow down.
How to prevent the router from overheating?
If you own an outdoor type router, consider placing it atop a surface which will allow for heat to dissipate . Also, make sure that the unit is not located in an area where there are any obstructions or objects positioned on top of it.
Running your router during winter weather can be done as long as you’re conscientious of its environmental conditions. If you operate your router outside without protecting it from the cold, your internet connection will experience a significant decrease in performance.
In areas with cold winters, you’ll want to make sure that your internet equipment is protected from the elements. If your outdoor router isn’t adequately protected against cold conditions, you’ll experience a significant decrease in performance.
What temperature can a router handle?
The temperature a router can handle without signal impact is 0-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything above or below this will impact the router and could cause it to malfunction.
What is the best router temperature?
The optimal router temperature is between 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything higher than this could potentially damage your internet equipment and anything lower than this will result in slower speeds.
Don’ts for routers with cold weather:
1.) Never place a router or modem outdoors if it’s not protected against extreme winter weather conditions.
2.) Never place a router or modem in a dark enclosed space as ventilation is necessary to avoid overheating.
3.) Don’t use a switch connected to the power supply of your router, as this will cause it to automatically shut down when not in use.
4.) Avoid placing a router on a surface that readily collects moisture, as this will cause the device to overheat in a short period of time.
5.) If you live in an excessively cold environment, make sure to keep your router covered from the elements at all times.
Does cold temperature affect Wi-Fi signal?
Cold temperatures can cause the internet connection to lag and operate at reduced speeds. If you’re in an area with below freezing temperatures, make sure there is adequate covering for your router so that it’s protected from the weather conditions.
What temperature does a modem need?
The optimal temperature range for Modems is 68-77 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything higher will result in the device overheating. Anything below this temperature range could cause the modem to not function properly.
What is the best modem temperature?
The best modem temperature for optimal performance is between 68-77 degrees Fahrenheit. Any colder or hotter will result in your internet connection slowing down significantly.
How do I stop my router from overheating?
In the case that your router is overheating, there are several ways to fix this. First you’ll want to check the vents on the side of your internet equipment, as they may be blocked or filled with dust which can prevent proper ventilation. You may need to remove any obstructions in order for heat to dissipate.
Another thing you’ll want to consider is moving your internet device to a cooler space with proper ventilation. If you have poor air flow, this could cause overheating and malfunctioning.
If the above suggestions do not work, it may be time to replace your modem or router as they can no longer operate properly due to overheating damage.
