WiFi routers have become a standard piece of hardware in almost every household, and as consumers, we are continuously in search of ways to save on electricity bills. One of the frequently asked questions is how much electricity does a WiFi router consume or how many watts does a WiFi router use?
Understanding WiFi Router Power Consumption
As per sources, a typical WiFi router has a power consumption ranging from 2 watts to 20 watts, depending on the usage and the specifications of the router. The power consumption can vary based on the distance of the devices from the router, the number of devices connected to the router's wireless network, the router's features or capabilities, and the user's settings, i.e., Power Save Mode or Always On.
Factors Affecting Power Consumption of WiFi Router
Now, let's take a closer look at some of the factors that affect a WiFi router's power consumption:
- The number of devices connected to the router:
- Distance between the devices and the router:
- Router's features:
- Router's capabilities:
- User settings:
The power consumption increases as the number of connected devices on the wireless network increases.
As the distance between the connected devices and the router increases, the router uses more power to maintain a stable connection; hence the power consumption also increases.
Some routers come with additional features such as parental controls, VPN, and other bandwidth management options.
High-end routers are equipped with extra features such as dual-band frequencies, MU-MIMO technology, and other additional capabilities that make the router more power-hungry.
The user can play a role in controlling the router's power consumption by choosing specific options like turning off the router during periods of inactivity or controlling the brightness of the LED indicators on the router.
How to Save Power Consumption on Your WiFi Router
If you are in search of ways to save on your electricity bills, below are some ways to lower your WiFi router's power consumption:
- Choose a router with power-saving features.
- Turn off the router during periods of inactivity.
- Disable the router's LED indicator lights to reduce power consumption.
- Choose the router's Power Save Mode.
- Disconnect unused devices from the wireless network.
- Place the router in a central location to reduce power consumption.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the power consumption of a WiFi router mostly depends on the user's settings, its capabilities, features, and the number of connected devices. It is essential to choose a router that suits your needs and has power-saving features. By keeping a few simple things in mind, one can save on electricity bills by reducing the power consumed by their WiFi router.
