Thiết bị không nên rút phích cắm trước khi về quê dịp tết

Experts advise against turning off routers during Tet (Lunar New Year) because many security and data storage devices depend on the internet.

Before locking the doors, many people have a habit of unplugging electrical devices, including Wi-Fi routers, to save electricity or avoid the risk of unauthorized access. However, technology experts say this decision can cause many inconveniences and even affect property security.

In reality, Wi-Fi routers consume relatively little electricity. A typical device only uses the equivalent of a small light bulb, so turning off the router hardly reduces electricity costs significantly. The daily savings are usually only a few thousand dong, or even a few hundred dong, which is insignificant compared to the risks that can arise from losing internet connectivity.

 The Dependence of Smart Devices

Currently, many home devices rely entirely on Wi-Fi for remote operation, such as security cameras, smart doorbells, automatic lighting systems, NAS storage devices, etc., all requiring continuous internet access. When the Wi-Fi router is down, users are almost unable to monitor the situation in their home, receive unusual alerts, or access data remotely. Holidays and festivals are often times when homes are empty, so the loss of monitoring connectivity can leave homeowners feeling inactive.

[Image caption: Smart home devices today rely heavily on the internet. IMAGE: LG]

Furthermore, routers often take time to restart, update connections, or reconfigure after being powered off, causing inconvenience when users return home and need internet immediately.

Solutions to Enhance Wi-Fi Network Security While Away

If you are concerned about security, a more suitable solution is to enhance the router's configuration instead of unplugging it.  Users should change the default network name, update the administrator password, set a strong Wi-Fi password, and prioritize WPA3 or WPA2 security standards. These steps help limit unauthorized access not only during the Lunar New Year holiday but also in the future.

Another option is to use a smart Wi-Fi router. These devices allow remote network management via an app, send notifications when unfamiliar devices connect, and allow for immediate access blocking. This ensures that camera systems or smart home systems remain operational while users maintain control over network security.

Overall, unplugging the Wi-Fi router before returning home for the Lunar New Year holiday doesn't offer significant cost benefits but can lead to the homeowner losing the ability to monitor the device and security system. Keeping the router running smoothly and setting up appropriate security is generally a safer solution during the holiday.