[PLUG-TALK] Reducing high router energy costs

[Galen Seitz]

Keith Lofstrom wrote:
> If you use a Wifi AP, try to replace the very inefficent "wall wart"
> style power supplies with voltage-equivalent "switcher" power
> supplies.  The switchers are much more efficient, and more tolerant
> of power line brownouts.  You might be able to save 3 or 4 watts,
> which translates to $60 to $80.  Laptop AC adapters are usually
> switchers, and adapters producing the common 5V or 12V power inputs
> for an AP can be found used on Ebay and elsewhere.  You might have
> to change the plug.  Note that APs and routers can often tolerate
> a fairly wide range of voltages;  most 12V Linksys gear can take
> up to 20V with no problems, and up to 35V with some internal 
> modification.  These 12V units power up nicely off the 17V adapters
> used by many IBM laptops, and will operate down to 8V if supplied
> by a well-regulated switcher.

What sort of efficiency have you seen out of the typical wall wart? 
Also, are you assuming that most of these small boxes have internal 
switchers?  I know the WRT54 has a switcher, but presumable your 
recommendation might change for a box with a linear supply.

galen