Maintaining an Air Filter

Caution: Regularly inspect the air filter. A dirty air filter restricts the air intake in the chassis, thereby disrupting the airflow in the chassis and increasing the operating temperature. Higher operating temperatures in the chassis can damage the hardware components. You must replace the filter every six months or sooner if needed.

To maintain the air filter:

1. Check the air filter for dust, debris, or holes. If the air filter needs cleaning, clean it in one of the following ways:
   • Use a vacuum cleaner to remove accumulated dust and dirt.
   • Point a compressed air nozzle in the opposite direction of operating air flow to blow away dust and debris.
   • In cases of stubborn dirt, you can wash away the dirt by rinsing with plain water or by immersing the filter in a solution of warm water and mild detergent followed by rinsing. Ensure that the air filter is thoroughly dry before reinstalling it in the router.
2. If the air filter is torn, ripped, or in need of any other repair, replace the filter.

   Caution: Because the impellers and fans are quite powerful, it is important to keep the air filter in place while the router is operating. The impellers and fans could pull in foreign materials, such as bits of wire, through an unfiltered air intake, resulting in damage to router components.

For information about installing an air filter or replacing an existing filter, see Installing an Air Filter.