Five tips to keep your modem running smoothly
We tend to forget about our modems once we’ve set them up. Often, the only time they spring to mind is when the WiFi goes down – something which could actually be happening because you haven’t been giving your modem a little TLC.
Whether you have an iiNet supplied modem or have brought your own, here some helpful tips from our care team on how to extend the life of your modem.
Tip #1: Make sure your modem is in a safe location
Your modem is a complex piece of equipment. Try to position your modem in a spot that will stop it from being bumped or knocked, like on top of a bookcase or on a hall table. Be careful not to lock your modem away in a cupboard though as this may impact how far your signal reaches.
Tip #2: Use a surge protector
Power fluctuations can reduce the life of any electrical appliance, including modems. We recommend using a surge protector that connects to your modem’s power plug – a piece of equipment you can pick up cheaply from most supermarkets, office supply stores, and online retailers.
Tip #3: Keep the air flowing
Modems can get warm, especially in our hot Australian weather. Make sure your modem is in a spot with good ventilation and constant airflow, which will prevent overheating damage.
Tip #4: Restart often
‘Have you tried turning it off and on?’ isn’t bad advice. Most manufacturers encourage restarting your modem at least once a month to clear its memory and refresh your wireless connections. We recommend you unplug the power cord from the electrical socket and wait 30 seconds before plugging back in.
Tip #5: Dust or vacuum regularly
Keep internal mechanisms clean and dust-free by running a duster over the vents or even gently vacuuming with the small brush attached. Most people will only need to clean their modem once a month however, if you have a pet that sheds a lot, you may need to do this more often. Avoid cleaning your modem with liquids as they could cause damage.
Why extending the life of your modem is important
As the world becomes more dependent on technology, so grows the amount of eWaste. In 2021, it is estimated a staggering 57.4 million tonnes of eWaste was created globally, including televisions, mobile phones, computers, and – you guessed it – old modems.
While changing technologies sometimes mean that upgrading to a new modem is unavoidable, many iiNet home internet plans allow you to BYO device. You’ll even save yourself a bit of money, too.
If you really can’t revive your modem, you can responsibly recycle it through the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme.
Want to keep learning about modem care?
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