WiFi router: reduce power consumption - the best tips

In the long run, WLAN routers turn out to be real power guzzlers. The devices run around the clock and often have high power consumption. We will therefore tell you five tricks with which you can reduce the power consumption of your WLAN router and save a lot of money.

1. Deactivate WLAN on the router and reduce power consumption

Of course, the WiFi module of your router consumes most of the energy. It may therefore be worthwhile (temporarily) to deactivate the wireless network connection.

• We will tell you in separate articles how to deactivate WLAN in a Speedport router and Fritzbox.
• If you do not want to completely do without a WLAN connection, you can activate the timer in your router. This means that the WLAN switches off automatically at night, for example, to save electricity. Unfortunately, not every router supports the practical function. For the Fritzbox we have the right instructions ready.
• Alternatively, you can switch the WLAN on and off manually at any time using the corresponding button on your router. You should do this, for example, if you leave the house for a long time and do not need an active internet connection.

2. Reduce the power consumption of the WLAN router: switch off unnecessary functions

Current WLAN routers not only give you access to the Internet, but are overloaded with a host of additional functions. Many of them are useful, but some turn out to be useless power guzzlers. Therefore, deactivate all features in the router settings that you do not use regularly.

• In particular, this includes network sharing of hard drives or connected USB sticks. Remove this from the USB port of your router, too, so that the device does not unnecessarily supply the hard drives with power. Many routers also offer an integrated NAS. If you are not using the router as a network hard drive, you can also switch off this function.
• You can also deactivate the individual Ethernet connections on the Fritzbox, for example, and thus save even more power. This works in the menu under "System"> "Energy monitor"> "Settings". With some other router models, unused ports can be switched off completely.
• Finally, you should also disconnect all unimportant WiFi devices from your router. Because it sends small data packets to all connected devices again and again to check their availability. That costs electricity permanently. WLAN devices such as printers or eBook readers that rarely need access to the network should therefore always be switched off after use.

3. Disconnect the phone from the router and save electricity

In times of smartphones, Skype and Co., landline phones have become less and less important. But even if you barely make calls to your landline, the device still draws electricity.

• Therefore, disconnect all unnecessary base stations from your router. In addition, deactivate the corresponding options in the settings.
• If your WLAN router has an integrated DECT module, you can connect telephones to the device without a base station. The constant search for telephones also increases the power consumption here. Therefore switch off all handsets and deactivate the DECT function in the settings.

4. Reduce WLAN transmission power and power consumption

With many routers, you can increase the WLAN transmission power in the settings. This has the advantage that your WiFi can be found throughout the house and often beyond. However, the increased transmission power also requires significantly more electricity.

• Therefore, test individually how much transmission power you really need. Always switch the transmission power down a few percent. Then use your devices to test whether you still have reception at all important locations in the house. Reduce the power until only the area relevant to you is supplied with WLAN.
• Tip: You do not have to set the transmission power to the maximum for good WLAN reception. Often it is sufficient to eliminate sources of interference or to place the router better. We have summarized all the important tips for a strong WiFi signal for you in a separate article.

5. Reduce power consumption to zero: switch router off completely

As practical as the previous tips are, you will not completely reduce the power consumption of your router. It is therefore worthwhile to completely disconnect the device if you are away for a long time, for example during your vacation.

You can find the cheapest electricity provider in our electricity comparison!

With your WLAN router, however, you should not only pay attention to the power consumption. Correct encryption is also particularly important. Therefore, on the next page we give you some tips for more security with your WLAN.