If your WiFi router or cable modem drops off frequently and only comes back when you power cycle one of them, you might be interested in the WiFi ResetPlug. The device plugs into your outlet and then you plug your router, modem, or combination access point into the ResetPlug. Once you setup the WiFi ResetPlug, it will automatically detect if you have Internet access and WiFi access. If the logical check fails, it will stop the power momentarily and then resume power so that your network equipment is reset. Just be sure to plug your router or AP into a normal outlet if you’re performing a firmware update lest you brick the device.
If you have a password on your WiFi, you can provide it to the WiFi ResetPlug during setup. You plug the ResetPlug in to power and then it will broadcast a wireless network with the SSID as ResetPlugSetup. You then join that network and provide the password. It will then reset and join your wireless network with the password you provided. The button on the front is a reset button that allows you to put it back into setup mode.
Two LEDs on the front of the ResetPlug indicate power and Internet connectivity. It tries to access the developer’s site on Amazon Web Services once per minute. If this fails, it will check other sites like Google, Bing, and others to confirm if Internet access is lost. The ResetPlug is compatible with 802.11N WiFi on the 2.4GHz frequency. If you have devices like security cameras, thermostats, DVRs, and others that rely on your wireless Internet to be working, this can improve the availability of those devices.
It’s a bad sign of the consumer electronics industry that something like this has to exist but some people may be very grateful that it does. The WiFi ResetPlug is available for $59.99 on Amazon.com. Alternatively, you might invest that $60 towards a better wireless router or modem, if your ISP will allow it.