Tech
How often should you upgrade your WiFi router?
Most routers are durable and can efficiently work for a longer period, but some factors can hinder their performance or leads to complete failure altogether.
Quick Answer: Upgrading your WiFi router every three to four years is generally recommended. As technology improves, newer routers can provide faster and more reliable connections and support the latest technologies and security standards.
Perhaps your WiFi router is one of the most necessary gadgets you own.
WiFi routers are a critical component of computer networks because they send WiFi signals to your homes. Your phones and tablets will be unable to connect without them.
Although routers last for many years, they can also break down due to malfunctions.
Even though you take care of it, a time will come when the device will wear out due to inevitable factors.
Should I upgrade my router?
Experts recommend that you should upgrade your router at least every five years. If you buy the latest phones or tablets or use many home gadgets, you should replace your router every two to three years.
Signs That Show You Need a New Router
You don’t have to replace a router just by observing the sluggish WiFi signals; replacing a router can be expensive. So you need to make sure before returning it.
Here are the signs from which you can assess whether your router needs attention or replacement.
Slow Internet Speed
One sign that shows your router needs replacement is that it has a constantly slow connection. At times it may be due to increased traffic or reduced bandwidth.
However, in some cases, after examining all the causes, you come to know that your router is wearing out.
To be sure, connect your modem to your device directly and see if the problem still exists. If this is the case, your problem is most likely due to increased traffic or reduced bandwidth capacity.
If your connection returns to its average speed, it’s evident that the issue is with your router.
Intermittent connectivity
There’s nothing more annoying than an intermittent network connection.
At one time, the link is fine, and you’re surfing the internet, and at the other moment, your connection is down, and a message appears in front of you, ‘No Internet Connection.’
After a while, your connection returns. This loop continues until you are unable to complete any task.
That is yet another reason for getting a new router. Poor area coverage is the most common cause of this issue.
To avoid this, try moving your router to an open area with little or no obstacles, such as walls. If the problem remains, the issue is likely within the router.
Overheating
Most routers are made of high-quality materials that can hold up against minor impacts and heat. However, heat can impair routers up to 3 or 5 years old.
So, if you’ve been using the router, then the average lifetime stops working suddenly; perhaps its internal components have failed due to heat.
Complete Break Down of the Device
A significant indication that your router is failing is when it stops functioning. That means your device is no longer responding to any buttons you press.
When this happens, check the connector wires that attach to your computer and modem. Make sure they are correctly inserted in their respective slots.
When we review all the possibilities, the device remains out of order. Thus, it indicates that the router is damaged.
Update Your Router’s Firmware
Like other electronic devices, router manufacturers see bugs and other problems after their products have been shipped or installed.
Updating firmware on your router is similar to upgrading the operating system on your smartphone or tablet. This step can prevent cybersecurity flaws and enhances efficiency.
To complete this process, search the option of ‘Firmware Update,’ ‘Router Update,’ or a similar option in the administrator window at 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1 or search for your router IP address.
Search the internet if you can’t find what you’re looking for. Still, if you cannot find the updates, the company is not releasing updates, which is a security issue.
How often should you replace your wireless router?
Most routers are durable and can efficiently work for a longer period, but some factors can hinder their performance or lead to complete failure.
When facing most of the above signs, it’s time to upgrade your router. It is recommended that you should upgrade your router every three to four years.
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