Energy Saver
This intelligent router switches off automatically when not in use, saving both energy and money.
It’s no surprise that ‘always-on’ wireless routers have been so successful. The convenience of uninterrupted internet access has almost killed off the poor old dial-up modem. But when you think about it, do we need our routers on 24/7? In fact, we could save power during sleep, or when nobody’s home. A great compromise is the ‘always-on-when-you-need-it’ router. That way, we only consume energy when absolutely necessary.
We love the thought and innovation behind the Energy Saving Router. Team Goldsmiths’ execution is based on house-key hooks; on when you’re in, off when you’re out. Plus there’s an integrated timer for long downloads. We look forward to exploring this further – it’s a very interesting concept.
Although shared living spaces have many advantages, there is plenty of waste from objects that are continuously used – like routers.
We identified house-key hooks as an appropriate indicator for the presence and absence of people within the home. So, we programmed the router to switch off automatically when the last key is taken off of a hook. When someone returns home and re-engages a hook, it then switches back on in time for them to start surfing.
Stephan Bischof
Designer,
Goldsmiths
Wow, what a fantastic idea! As someone who lives with roommates, I think this is brilliant. I’d love to see the concept extended beyond a router, indeed a house-wide system where all non-essential appliances and switches are turned off once everyone is gone for the day. Such a simple idea with no effort required. Great work!
Where do I buy one?
Whilst i was researching energy saving in the home we discovered that the router was a power hungry bit of kit. A very sensible bit of kit that will produce energy/carbon savings that will be well above most products that are sold to us as “green” (eg. energy efficient kettles!).
I work with the internet every day when a router is turned off the signal and noise on the line is not stable straight away when the router is turned back on this requires the infrastructure to be better designed and the only way this will happen is if broadband companies stop humping BT’s lines and start building there own networks. E.g. VirginMedia
But I don’t have an internet jack anywhere near my front door?
What happens if the timer goes out and I am still downloading a file?
In order to turn the router off at night am I going to have to remove everyone’s keys and put them on the ground?
Nice idea,
Does anyone sell a solar router as a complete package, with router , solar panel and antenna?
Urban Wireless