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Shutting off Power to Actiontec MI424wr each night.
GaryPSU
Enthusiast - Level 3
‎11-05-2013 01:46 PM
Does the Actiontec MI424wr lose settings if shut off at night. By settings, I'm referring to the DHCP connections, the static connections, internet IP address, Dynamic DNS and DNS server, etc.
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Re: Shutting off Power to Actiontec MI424wr each night.
gs0b
Community Leader
Community Leader
‎11-06-2013 08:30 AM
@GaryPSU wrote:
Does the router have a chip that retains settings when powered off? I don't care about the DHCP lease since I have a Dynamic DNS service for my ip cameras. Why would changing leases too often cause problems?

Yes, the router retains settings in non-volatile memory.
 

Guide data is not stored in the router.  It is stored in the set-top boxes.  If you power off your STB's too, they will need to get the guide data when they turn on.  This can take many minutes, and won't happen until the router comes up.

Your public IP address may change as a result of loosing your public DHCP lease.  This is only an issue if you use services that need access to your network, such as servers or remote access/control/management systems.

Bottom line, you can turn off your equipment and it will power back up with your settings.  Depending on what your power down, the amount of time for everything to come back to full operation will vary.  It could take 15 to 30 minutes for everything to come back up.

Personally, I don't worry about the power the router uses.  Adjusting my theromstat by 1 degree saves way more energy than the router uses.

Good Luck.

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Re: Shutting off Power to Actiontec MI424wr each night.
beetlejuice2
Specialist - Level 1
‎11-05-2013 01:50 PM
@GaryPSU wrote:
Does the Actiontec MI424wr lose settings if shut off at night. By settings, I'm referring to the DHCP connections, the static connections, internet IP address, Dynamic DNS and DNS server, etc.

The settings on the router will be the same, but the dhcp lease will be released if left off for several hours. You should get a new one when turned back on, but there might be issues if the router is constantly pulling in new leases everyday. Is there any particular reason why you need to or want to turn the router off every night?

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Re: Shutting off Power to Actiontec MI424wr each night.
tns2
Community Leader
Community Leader
‎11-06-2013 03:29 AM

Hopefully you don't use Verizon FIOS TV service.  If you do you don't want to power off the Actiontec.

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Re: Shutting off Power to Actiontec MI424wr each night.
GaryPSU
Enthusiast - Level 3
‎11-06-2013 05:01 AM
I do (triple bundle). I want to put the router on a timer that will turn it off at night. Won't it reload the TV guide, when it powers back up?
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Re: Shutting off Power to Actiontec MI424wr each night.
beetlejuice2
Specialist - Level 1
‎11-06-2013 06:54 AM
You still haven't said why you want to turn it off at night.
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Re: Shutting off Power to Actiontec MI424wr each night.
GaryPSU
Enthusiast - Level 3
‎11-06-2013 06:56 AM
It's probably minimal, but I'm on a power saving kick.
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Re: Shutting off Power to Actiontec MI424wr each night.
GaryPSU
Enthusiast - Level 3
‎11-06-2013 07:03 AM
Does the router have a chip that retains settings when powered off? I don't care about the DHCP lease since I have a Dynamic DNS service for my ip cameras. Why would changing leases too often cause problems?
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Re: Shutting off Power to Actiontec MI424wr each night.
beetlejuice2
Specialist - Level 1
‎11-06-2013 07:33 AM
@GaryPSU wrote:
Does the router have a chip that retains settings when powered off? I don't care about the DHCP lease since I have a Dynamic DNS service for my ip cameras. Why would changing leases too often cause problems?

The router really doesn't put out that much power. 10-20 watts max.

The chip will retain the settings just not the dhcp lease. Usually after 2 hours of being off it will release the lease.

It doesn't always happen though so you may have the same one when you turn it back on the next day.

Your guide on the tv will work when turned back on, but you may need to reboot your dvr/stb at times.

The dvr should at least store enough guide info to be able to record events while the router is off. You may or may not run into problems with shows being set to record overnight while the router is off.

If you dont have a dvr then there's no issues there.

Don't worry about the dhcp lease. If you for some reason run into an issue with it you can always call Verizon. The main issue you may run into is where the lease is released and you won't be able to pull a new one in. That's when you would have to call them. I've known people who lost power overnight and ran into this issue. The router wouldn't pull a new one in. You shouldn't have this problem though.

Turn if off at night if you want and if you run into problems then just leave it on at that point forward.

This is what Actiontec says about turning off the router at night. Comes from their website.

Should I turn the Actiontec Router or Modem Off each night, or should I leave it On, perpetually?
"Actiontec Routers and Modems are designed to be left on continuously. The nature of the Internet makes an 'always on' connection very desirable, and in some cases a requirement. Turning the Actiontec Off when it is not being used, could arguably add to security. But any gains to Security by not being connected to the Internet 24/7, must be balanced against the loss of much convenience.
Whether it is a computer or a router, many users feel that turning electronic devices Off and On each day will wear them out prematurely, and others are convinced it will not.
Actiontec recommends leaving our routers and Modems on continuously, but they can be turned Off and On each day if you prefer."

 

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Re: Shutting off Power to Actiontec MI424wr each night.
GaryPSU
Enthusiast - Level 3
‎11-06-2013 08:04 AM
Thank you very much.
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Re: Shutting off Power to Actiontec MI424wr each night.
PJL
Master - Level 3
‎11-06-2013 08:14 AM
@GaryPSU wrote:
I do (triple bundle). I want to put the router on a timer that will turn it off at night. Won't it reload the TV guide, when it powers back up?

The guide may update when the STB again has a network connection, but firmware updates, QAM channel changes/channel additions, etc. will not occur and may be missed if the Verizon servers cannot communicate with the STB. 

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