Cutting power off to network hardware nightly - okay?

We have a ZyXEL C2100Z Modem and a 5 port Linksys switch, nightly when we are done using them we have a power switch that we just hit to power off. Will this cause any long term issues? Could this cause any corruption of the software?

Paul QuintanaOwnerAsked: 2017-04-08

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LVL 111

JohnBusiness Consultant (Owner)Commented: 2017-04-08

Many routers do not have an on-off switch, so pulling the plug cannot hurt these ones electronically. Even the ones I have seen with on-off switches are mechanical switches which perform the same function as no switch. These are entry level commercial routers.

All that said, I think the internal circuitry will be more stable if just left one. That is what I do.

We turn our TV's off a night, Radios off at night, and some people turn Computers off at night.

So you really cannot harm them turning them off. I like them on and ready at all times.

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LVL 111

JohnBusiness Consultant (Owner)Commented: 2017-04-08

By the way, leaving a router off more than 24 hours (but plugged in) may cause its configuration to be lost.

This is another reason to leave them running.

LVL 39

Dr. KlahnPrincipal Software EngineerCommented: 2017-04-08

Electronic equipment still tends to fail when powered up or powered down, as voltages change. It's a point of failure that can be avoided by leaving the equipment on. The cost of the small amount of power these devices pull is negligible compared to the headache of replacing and reconfiguring them if they fail ... and if there are no cold spares readily available on the spares shelf, the cost of having the network down for several days well outweighs the cost of leaving the equipment on.

LVL 85

Dave BaldwinFixer of ProblemsCommented: 2017-04-08

I have 6 switches, 2 modems, and a wireless router and I never turn them off unless there is a problem. One of the modems has been on for about 8 years now not counting power outages.