When Do You Need A New Router? 7 Signs It's Time To Upgrade (2024)

Table of Contents

  • 7 Signs You Should Upgrade Your Router
  • Will Getting a New Router Improve Your Internet Connection?
  • How to Troubleshoot Your Router
  • How to Choose a New Router

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In today’s digitally connected world, your home router is more than just a piece of technology, it’s the gateway to the internet for all your devices. From streaming your favorite shows to keeping you connected for work and play, a reliable router is crucial for a seamless online experience. However, like all technology, routers have their lifespan and knowing when you need a new router is key to maintaining that seamless connection.

But how do you know when to get a new router and welcome a new one? It’s not just about age, various signs can indicate your router is struggling to meet your digital demands. We’ll explore the telltale signs that it’s time for a router upgrade, helping you make an informed decision and ensure your home network is as robust and reliable as possible.

7 Signs You Should Upgrade Your Router

1. You Have a Very Old Router

Routers, like any technology, have a lifespan. If you’re using a router that’s more than five years old, it’s likely falling behind in terms of performance and security. As technology evolves, routers improve in speed, range and security features. An outdated router may not support newer Wi-Fi standards like Wi-Fi 6, which provides faster speeds and better handling of multiple devices.

Upgrading your router can enhance your internet experience, ensuring that your network is secure and capable of meeting the demands of modern devices and applications.

2. Your Connection Keeps Dropping

Frequent disconnections can be a sign that your router is struggling to maintain a stable connection. This issue can be due to various factors, including outdated firmware, worn-out hardware or simply the router’s inability to handle the number of devices or the volume of data being transmitted.

An unreliable connection can disrupt work, streaming, gaming and other online activities. If you find your router frequently dropping the connection, it might be time to consider a more capable and reliable upgrade.

3. It Feels Slower Than Normal

A noticeable decrease in internet speed can be frustrating and may indicate that your router is no longer efficient. Slow speeds can result from outdated hardware that can’t handle high-bandwidth activities or a large number of connected devices.

If you’re experiencing slower speeds, especially when compared to the speeds promised by your internet service provider (ISP), it’s a clear sign that your router may be the bottleneck in your network. Upgrading to a newer router can resolve these speed issues, providing a smoother and faster online experience.

4. Your Router Is Overheating

Routers are designed to handle heat, but excessive overheating is a warning sign. A router that runs too hot can suffer from performance issues and a shortened lifespan. Overheating can be caused by poor ventilation, dust buildup or internal component failure. If your router feels unusually hot to the touch or you notice performance degradation during extended use, it’s wise to consider replacing it with a model that has better heat management.

5. You Have Inadequate Coverage for Your Space

If you’re experiencing weak signals or dead zones in your home, it might be a sign that your router lacks the range to cover your living space effectively. This is particularly relevant in larger homes or buildings with multiple floors or thick walls. Upgrading to a router with a stronger signal or a mesh Wi-Fi system can significantly improve coverage, ensuring consistent and reliable Wi-Fi access throughout your home.

6. Your Router Can’t Keep Up With Newer Devices

With the increasing number of smart devices in homes, routers need to manage multiple connections efficiently. If your current router struggles to provide stable connections to all your devices or if you notice performance issues when multiple devices are connected, this indicates that your router may be overwhelmed. A newer router with advanced capabilities like MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output) can offer better management of multiple device connections.

7. It’s Incompatibile With Newer Devices

Incompatibility with newer devices is distinct from the router’s inability to manage multiple devices. As devices evolve, they often incorporate the latest communication standards, which older routers may not support. For instance, a router that predates Wi-Fi 6 may not fully support the performance capabilities of a new laptop or smartphone that is designed for Wi-Fi 6. Upgrading your router ensures compatibility with the latest devices, providing you with the full benefits of their technological advancements.

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Will Getting a New Router Improve Your Internet Connection?

Upgrading to a new router can indeed improve your internet connection, but the extent of the improvement depends on several factors. If your current router is too old, you might not be benefiting from the latest technological advancements in router design. Newer routers offer better speed, range and stability. They are equipped to handle more devices simultaneously and often support the latest Wi-Fi standards, which provide faster data transfer rates and improved efficiency, especially in environments with many connected devices.

However, it’s important to note that a new router alone won’t solve all internet issues. The quality of your internet connection is also dependent on your ISP, the plan you have subscribed to and the overall quality of your internet infrastructure. If your internet service itself is slow or unreliable, a new router might not make a significant difference.

That said, a new router can maximize the potential of your existing internet service, ensuring you get the best possible performance within the constraints of your ISP’s service. It can also offer better security features, parental controls and options for network management, which contribute to a more robust and user-friendly home network.

How to Troubleshoot Your Router

Before considering a replacement, it’s wise to troubleshoot your router to ensure that the issues you’re experiencing aren’t fixable. Begin with a simple restart: This often resolves minor connectivity issues. Next, check if your router’s firmware is up to date, as manufacturers release updates to enhance performance and security. The router’s placement in your home might cause issues too. Ideally, it should be in a central location, away from physical obstructions and electronic interferences, such as microwaves and cordless phones.

Securing your network with a strong password is also essential to prevent unauthorized usage which can impact performance. If these steps don’t yield improvements, try resetting the router to its factory settings. If you’ve been wondering if you need a new router, starting with effective troubleshooting can rejuvenate your router’s functionality, potentially delaying the need for an immediate upgrade.

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THIS IS AN ADVERTIsem*nT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisem*nt, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary.

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How to Choose a New Router

Selecting the right router is key to ensuring a robust and efficient home network. When the time comes to upgrade, consider various factors to find a router that best fits your specific needs. The myriad of options available can be overwhelming, but focusing on a few critical aspects can help streamline your decision.

  • Wi-Fi standards: Look for routers that support the latest Wi-Fi standards, such as Wi-Fi 6, for faster speeds and better handling of multiple devices.
  • Coverage area: Consider the size of your space. Larger homes may require routers with greater range or mesh systems for uniform coverage.
  • Speed requirements: Match the router’s speed capabilities with your internet usage. For heavy streaming, gaming or multiple devices, opt for higher speeds.
  • Security features: Ensure the router offers robust security features to protect your network from cyber threats.
  • Band count: Dual-band or tri-band routers can provide a more reliable connection by reducing interference.
  • User-friendly interface: Look for a router with an intuitive interface, making it easier to manage your network settings and parental controls.

Choosing the right router can dramatically enhance your internet experience by providing faster speeds, broader coverage and better security. Opting for a newer model can not only bring immediate benefits but can also extend the interval of how often you should update your router, ensuring you stay ahead in both performance and technology.

Treat it as an investment in your digital lifestyle, that makes sure your network is equipped to handle today’s online demands and is ready for future technological advancements. Keeping these key points in mind can guide your decision, helping to secure a seamless and robust connection for all your online activities.

When Do You Need A New Router? 7 Signs It's Time To Upgrade (2024)

FAQs

When Do You Need A New Router? 7 Signs It's Time To Upgrade? ›

To sum up, knowing when to upgrade your router is crucial for a seamless online experience. The signs we've discussed – from slow internet speeds and connection drops to overheating and outdated technology – are clear indicators that it might be time to make a change.

How do I know if my router needs replacing? ›

7 Signs You Should Upgrade Your Router
  1. You Have a Very Old Router. ...
  2. Your Connection Keeps Dropping. ...
  3. It Feels Slower Than Normal. ...
  4. Your Router Is Overheating. ...
  5. You Have Inadequate Coverage for Your Space. ...
  6. Your Router Can't Keep Up With Newer Devices. ...
  7. It's Incompatibile With Newer Devices.
Jan 18, 2024

How do I know when to update my router? ›

If you find that your router suffers from several of the below symptoms, it may be time for a much needed upgrade.
  1. Slow Speeds. Slow internet speeds are hard to miss. ...
  2. Weak Connection. ...
  3. Malfunctioning Equipment. ...
  4. Incompatibility With Newer Devices. ...
  5. Overheating. ...
  6. Get the most out of your Router Today!

Should I replace my 7 year old router? ›

In general, experts recommend upgrading your router at least every five years. Make that every two to three years if you use lots of smart home gadgets, or if you make a regular habit of buying the latest laptops, phones and other primary Wi-Fi devices.

When should you upgrade your router? ›

Upgrade your router at least every five years—or after firmware updates end or you upgrade most of your wireless devices—especially if you need all the speed you can get.

How do you know if your Wi-Fi router is going bad? ›

If your router frequently overheats, it is a strong indication that you need to replace it. Overheating can cause unstable connections, slow internet speeds, reduced lifespan of the router, and frequent disconnections.

How do I test my home router? ›

The quickest, easiest, and most painless way to gauge your WiFi speed is to use a free, browser-based test like the one offered by Internet metrics company OOKLA at Speedtest.net. With about 8 billion tests under its belt, OOKLA has more data to back speed comparisons than any other tester out there.

What is the lifespan of a router? ›

As a rule of thumb, a Netgear representative told us, consumers should consider replacing their router after three years, and representatives from Google and Linksys said a three-to-five-year window was appropriate. Amazon, which owns the popular Eero brand of routers, put the range at three to four years.

Do routers update automatically? ›

As discussed earlier, many popular brands of routers will usually have their devices pre-set to download any firmware update automatically. While manual downloads of a firmware update are always possible, there are situations where it's best not to attempt to mess with your router settings.

How do I know if my router is up to date? ›

Enter your router's IP address into a web browser as if you were visiting a webpage, then enter your login information. Your router's configuration page will have several administrative options. For firmware updates, access the “Update” page and check if a new version of the router's firmware is available.

How much does a new router cost? ›

How much should I spend on a router? It depends on what you need and how many people and devices need to connect, but a small- to medium-sized home or apartment can probably get by with a well-tested dual-band router in the $100 range.

Does buying a new router improve Wi-Fi? ›

A new router can provide more reliable and stable connections, with less buffering and fewer dropped connections. This is because newer routers often feature improved hardware and software, such as faster processors and more memory, which can help reduce network congestion and improve performance.

Can I replace my router myself? ›

Even if your original router was installed by a technician, you'll be able to change from one router to another on your own. Although all routers are slightly different, these steps will give you a general idea of the process. Purchase or lease a new router. Select a router or combined router and modem.

Do routers slow down with age? ›

Outdated Routers Cause Slow Internet

Unfortunately, routers don't last forever, and even if your router is still running, it may no longer be providing the best speeds.

What is a good router to buy? ›

  • NETGEAR - Nighthawk AX5400 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router - Black. ...
  • TP-Link - Archer AX20 AX1800 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router - Black. ...
  • TP-Link - Archer AXE7800 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Router - Black. ...
  • ASUS - AX3000 Dual-Band WiFi 6 Wireless Router with Life time internet Security - Black.

Do I need to call my ISP if I get a new router? ›

Expert-Verified Answer

Without contacting your ISP, you can replace your WiFi router. You must contact your ISP to have them register the new cable modem, though, if you plan to replace the current cable modem.

How do you know if you have a router problem and not an internet problem? ›

Try this: Plug an ethernet cable directly into your router and test your internet speeds using our speed test tool. Next, test your speeds on the Wi-Fi connection. If they're both slow, the issue is likely with your service provider and not your equipment.

How do I check my router? ›

Open a web browser, type your router's IP address in the address bar, then press Enter. Enter your router's user name and password. You'll then be logged into the router's admin page. From here, you can view and change your network settings.

Can I just replace my Wi-Fi router? ›

You can upgrade or replace a new router from your internet service provider. Place your router. Install your router in a centrally located area of your home. If possible, place your router in a higher position, like a shelf, and avoid potential interference from brick or concrete walls.

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