This is an Instructable showing you how to cool your wireless network router and avoid slowing down.
I used computer's fan to cool the wireless, attach the fan to the wireless and will use the same power source of the wireless (wireless NO fan ON, wireless OFF fan OFF)
Maybe you will ask me why should I cool my wireless network router?
The answer is: by cooling your router you are avoiding slowing down (especially while downloading big files) because if you are using the router too much (such as downloading big files. you can notice that by seeing the LED's in the router) it will get hot, and you know that Electronic devices will not be efficient if it's not working in the right temperature.
Also because I live in a hot country and I am noticing that the heat is affecting the wireless.
I used computer's fan to cool the wireless, attach the fan to the wireless and will use the same power source of the wireless (wireless NO fan ON, wireless OFF fan OFF)
Maybe you will ask me why should I cool my wireless network router?
The answer is: by cooling your router you are avoiding slowing down (especially while downloading big files) because if you are using the router too much (such as downloading big files. you can notice that by seeing the LED's in the router) it will get hot, and you know that Electronic devices will not be efficient if it's not working in the right temperature.
Also because I live in a hot country and I am noticing that the heat is affecting the wireless.
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Signing UpStep 1: Things you will need
To make this project you will need:
1. Fan (I used Desktop PC's fan).
2. Male jack that is similar to your wireless jack(I found it in an old adapter).
3. Female jack that is similar to your wireless jack.
4. Some glue.
5. you will need to solder some wires.
1. Fan (I used Desktop PC's fan).
2. Male jack that is similar to your wireless jack(I found it in an old adapter).
3. Female jack that is similar to your wireless jack.
4. Some glue.
5. you will need to solder some wires.
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In fact if you were to attach it to a 5V line within the router this would be far less efficient and more likely to upset the router, depending on how that 5V is sourced. E.g. if the 5V comes from a linear regulator (as is likely) the fan will draw the same amount of current from the 15V supply but will run much slower since the power delivered to the fan is at 5V, not 15V (P=IV). This is why linear regulators are inefficent - the current drawn always stays the same but the voltage drop requires a drop in power which manifests itself as heat in the regulator. This will of course mean that your router is running hotter than it was before, further adding to the inefficiency.
Whats more - if the linear regulator is a low power variant, e.g. a 78L05, then it may not be able to deliver the required additional current demanded by the fan. In this case, depending on the regulator, the 5V may start to droop, or cut out entirely. This could lead to some components within the router shutting down.
If the router is of a higher build standard it may source the 5V from a DC-DC converter. These are much more efficient in that they attempt to convert all of the input power to output power and waste little in heat, generally achieving 90%+ power transfer. This would mean that your router doesn't get significantly hotter, however it will still be less efficient than running it straight from the 15V line (albeit ~90% efficient compared to ~33% of the linear regulator). But the same over current situation as with the regulator still exists.
In short - as long as your power supply can provide PowerOfRouter+PowerOfFan in Watts the method described in this instructable is the most efficient. NOTE: most electronic devices are rated in voltage and current, not power so here are the formulae you need: PowerOfRouter = VoltageOfRouter*CurrentOfRouter and PowerOfFan = VoltageOfFan*CurrentOfFan.
But try to keep the fan as close as much to make it as efficient as much.
Please comment your impression after testing it for some time. Cheers
ive been using it for a week now and its been keeping quiet and cool.
Im planning on making a modular design to fit the modem/router's and the case fans that is easy to move around. Nothing a trip to the hardware store can't fix for a budget of 20$.
The answer is: the electronic components will not work properly in a high temperature.
This post should have a title that reflects the end result.
By preventing it from slowing down, you are not effectively speeding it up in comparison to default settings.
This is a useful Instructable but should have a title closer to "Prevent router lag due to overheating" or the likes.
Otherwise great Instructable :)
Way to think outside the router :)
I put it in a plastic bag and wrapped frozen peas around it whenever I needed to transfer large files.
Worked surprisingly well. Should have used it to defrost dinner more often.