How to cool down a router: a cooler for network equipment

Frequent freezes of a budget router are the problem of the century. Often only a reboot helps. And what if you have a mid-range and premium router. For unknown reasons, manufacturers of networking equipment will never come to the conclusion that technology requires more attention. Here's how to cool down your router? The cooler for network equipment, as a commodity, is not available on store shelves. But there is a way out - you can use inexpensive solutions for laptops.

 

 

How to cool down a router: a cooler for network equipment

 

The idea "to buy a cooler for a router" came to my mind after buying a representative of the middle price segment - a router ASUS RT-AC66U B1... It is installed in a semi-closed cabinet, completely devoid of high-quality air ventilation. The result is frequent freezes when transferring large amounts of information from the Internet and within the local network.

 

 

At first, there was even a thought that the router was defective. But, after removing it from the cabinet and installing it on the windowsill, the problem instantly disappeared. And for one thing, it turned out that the case of the network equipment is very hot. It is clear that decent cooling is required to keep the router in the closet. So the idea came up - to buy a cooler. In fact, two cooling systems were purchased from different price segments:

 

• Portable foldable cooler - price $ 8.
• XILENCE V12 laptop stand - $25.

 

 

Both devices, in test mode, worked without shutdown for 100 days. XILENCE cooled the router, and the foldable cooler was under an 8-port gigabit switch (which also had freezes due to overheating). Three months was enough to understand the feasibility of using such cooling systems.

 

Budget Option: $ 8 Portable Folding Cooler

 

For its price, the cooling system is quite convenient and efficient. The foldable cooler is suitable for cooling network equipment and small laptops (up to 15 inches). The cooling quality is decent - the airflow is good.

 

 

The main advantage of a portable cooler is ease of use. For laptop owners, this is a great find. Connects quickly, blows well, folds, does not take up storage space, does not take up the USB port.

 

 

The gadget also has disadvantages. The same USB plug, made in the adapter format, has no rigidity. If you connect a 5 cm USB drive to it, it falls out of the laptop socket. The fans are not adapted for long-term operation - there is obviously friction, since after a week of continuous operation, the smell of burnt plastic was heard. At the end of the experiment, it was found that one of the coolers stopped working (although there is a backlight). Such a device is clearly not suitable for prolonged (over a week) cooling. But for everyday tasks - for a laptop, this is a wonderful and convenient solution.

 

Mid-range: XILENCE V12

 

The XILENCE brand has a lot of interesting cooling systems for laptops. But the V12 model was chosen, since it is the smallest in size and has 2 fans on board. In general, the cooler is focused on working with laptops, but we brazenly placed it under the router. In general, they never regretted what they had done.

 

 

Already when unpacking the cooling system, it became clear that this is a product from a serious brand that really wanted to please the buyer. Aluminum case, USB HUB, speed controller. There is even a cache in the body of the device - a sideways sliding niche.

 

 

The XILENCE V12 cooling system worked without any visible damage. I was very pleased with the well-thought-out cooling system. The fans cool the device from above and the aluminum grill to which they are attached. As a result, there is no internal overheating of the stator due to friction.

 

 

The disadvantages are bright backlighting. In the closet, she did not bother anyone, but the very fact of the impossibility of turning it off strains. At full power, the fans are noisy synchronously, which is very pleasing. The threaded holes on the upper grill are not quite clear. Screws from the PC system unit are screwed into them - they can hold something. But what is unclear. All in all, XILENCE V12 surprised me with its performance and functionality.

 

 

Cooler for network equipment: summary

 

Both devices (portable foldable cooler and XILENCE V12) perform their task of cooling the router perfectly. During operation, braking was not noticed. Which proves the theory that network equipment should have a cooling system. Otherwise, there will be brakes with a drop in the performance of the entire local network.

 

 

We do not force anyone to buy a cooler for a router, but judge for yourself. Why limit yourself to inefficiency in the operation of network equipment. Especially in cases where the Internet slows down due to a router. If for a small fee you can fix all problems with just one universal device.