My router / modem- how do I hide, lock, and protect it?

Question

For my vacation rental, I'm not sure where I should put my modem / router to protect it from guests.  I don't want someone to steal it (cost me $200), or press the buttons on it.

I was thinking of locking it inside a cabinet, but that would probably interfere with the wifi signal.

Another idea I had was to put it into a "rack cabinet enclosure" (Amazon) and then somehow bolt that down onto a shelf or cabinet.

But then the router/modem would be visible... I'd prefer to put the router someplace that completely hides it, yet doesn't interfere with the wifi signal.

Same problem with my Ring security system.  It connects to the router through the ethernet port-- I want that to be visually hidden as well.

Any ideas here ???

Scott Richey · Answer

I know this feels like a concern, but looking at the large picture, they are in your house, on your property with full access to basically anything.  Router and internet should be a minor concern.  Just saying.  It's theft which would be a crime.  Also, what happens if the internet gets disconnected and they get frustrated and want to try and reset it or something?  Worse, they leave a 1 star because this happened and then it becomes a thorn in your side forever with that review.But having said all that, if you really want to control it, lock it up, anywhere.  Better yet, I would set up cameras on the outside of your property so you can see who comes and goes so if anything did happen, at least you know and they also know who's on camera.  I have multiple cameras around every area of my property and I can see anybody who comes and goes.  Get it saved to a cloud so you can access it.

Matt Miller · Answer

thanks guys

Patricia Steiner · Answer

There's been a lot written on the topic but most is directed towards guests and their security/privacy protection.  Here's one article that is property owner focused:

https://www.lodgify.com/blog/p...

We haven't had an issue at any of our properties with this - which probably means it's just a matter of time. What we do for a host of reasons is to have the router positioned in a way that it is not easily reached or seen. If there going to take it, make them work to get to it but not so much that your property gets damaged in the process.

Fun, huh?

Charlie MacPherson · Answer

@Matt Miller  There are all sorts of options, like a locking desk drawer, locked owner's closet, etc.

The key is to be sure that whatever you put it in isn't metal, so not in a metal filing cabinet for example.