HOUSEHOLDS are breaking their broadband’s ‘golden rule’ with a money-saving trick that drastically slows down their speeds, a Virgin Media boss has warned.
And it can even make you miss important calls, or unable to capture crucial security camera footage.
Fortunately, even if your router is switched off at night, it will receive important software updates that protect it against hacking as soon as it’s turned back on[/caption]
Roughly 1 in 5 Virgin Media customers switch off their Hub overnight, according to new research.
It’s intended to save money on energy overnight.
But it forces your Wi-Fi to run at a snail’s pace when the router is rebooted.
It stops any software updates that typically occur overnight, which can lead to even more broadband lags when you switch it back on in the morning.
“Customers can minimise any possible disruption by keeping their hub on – allowing updates to take place automatically overnight – so their broadband and any connected devices are ready when they need them,” Virgin Media O2’s Director of Connectivity, Gareth Lister, told The Sun.
“We continuously monitor customers’ broadband performance and may identify issues overnight which can be fixed remotely.
“We’re unable to do this if the router is off which is why we recommend customers leave them on.”
Fortunately, even if your router is switched off at night, it will receive important software updates that protect it against hacking as soon as it’s turned back on.
But this bad broadband habit can also make you miss important phone calls, according to Lister.
“Many customers also have home phones and smart devices like speakers, TVs, doorbells and cameras that are connected to their home broadband,” he explained.
“If the hub is switched off, customers could find themselves unable to use their landline and these devices could stop working.”
Gadgets like Ring doorbell cameras rely on Wi-Fi to send alerts when someone is at your door.
Without Wi-Fi, you also cannot save or review previous recordings captured on most Ring devices.
So it’s best to keep your router on overnight in case it does more harm than good.
Wi-Fi tips from Virgin Media
Gareth Lister has previously revealed some pro tips for Wi-Fi boosters to The Sun.
“Similar to a mobile phone or a hub, avoid putting your pod in direct sunlight,” says Lister.
This means avoiding window sills, especially during the warmer months.
Leaving any bit of tech in the sun puts it at risk of overheating.
But it’s particularly bad for Wi-Fi routers and boosters because they are always switched on.
You should also deter any pets – namely cats – who fancy using the booster as a cosy seat.
Overheating can slow down the efficiency of the device, reduce the speed of Wi-Fi and in the worst cases, stop extending your connection altogether.
