How Often to Restart Your Modem and Router for Optimal Performance

Summary

This article discusses the optimal frequency for restarting home networking equipment. It explains that fully restarting your modem and router about once a month helps clear temporary data (cache, DNS entries, ARP tables) that can accumulate and degrade performance over time. The article covers the difference between a simple reboot and a full power cycle, signs that indicate your router needs a restart (slow speeds, dropped connections, overheating), and step-by-step instructions for properly restarting both devices. It also addresses common misconceptions about restarting too frequently and notes that some modern routers have built-in scheduling features for automatic restarts.