Keeping Wireless Router Cool

[Nighthawk69]

Hey all-

I have a Speedstream wireless router and this is the first summer I have had this particular unit. I keep my home server, router and DSL modem in the garage and up in a cabinet so that it is out of the way, although this summer it seems as though the router is overheating and we're having some problems. First, with the cabinet doors closed (no airflow) the router will overheat once it gets warm outside (and subsequently in the garage) and it will lock up. We fixed this by leaving the cabinet doors open. Now, this morning I went out there and found that port 1 on the router no longer works, but the other ports seem to be fine. It has been very hot here lately and I'm guessing the port failure was due to the heat, but I don't know that for sure.

So, I was wondering what everyone does to keep their home networking equipment cool? My router gets hot enough that you cannot really keep your hand on the metal underside of it for more than a few seconds, and I think being in a cabinet next to a computer that is generating more heat is not helping, plus the router has no cooling devices in it either.

I'm looking for ideas here, but I think the obvious choice is to move everything inside where it's cooler.

Thanks!

 

[Angrymarshmello]

Well most home use networking equipment really wasn't meant to be subjected to extreme conditions such as being kept in the garage. Short of moving it inside, the only thing I can think of to keep it cool is to purchase a small fan and point it at the hardware and leave it on. It may blow hot air at it, but at least the air is circulating.

 

[Nighthawk69]

Yeah, that's the only other thing I was able to come up with as well. That might work, but the air--as you stated--is still pretty hot.

I'm looking around inside for a closet to set it all up in, but once again, there isn't much air ciculation in a closet but the air temp. would be cooler as the inside is air conditioned.

 

[dmcowen674]

I would say it depends on the design of the equipment. I have D-link Routers/Switches (multiple ports) etc in 150 degree attic for over 2 years and have never had a problem or even a glitch, that goes for the computers (2 Intel/2 AMD) too with no special fans other than the stock power supply fan and stock CPU fans.