If you're experiencing issues like slow internet speeds, dropped connections, or constant reboots, it's time to upgrade your Wi-Fi router. Don't wait until it completely dies to replace it. Even if it seems like an appliance that should last forever, an outdated router can significantly affect your internet experience. Read on to learn more about the signs that your router needs an upgrade.
Why Care About Upgrading Your Wi-Fi Router?
If you're not a tech enthusiast or a hobby network nerd, you may not give much thought to your Wi-Fi router. Typically, routers remain in the background, quietly maintaining your home network until they malfunction and require a restart.
However, ignoring your router until it stops working is not the best approach. Your router affects everything from the security of your home network to the performance of streaming services and the load balancing of critical and non-critical activities.
Your router may not be completely broken yet, but if it's outdated, your internet experience at home could be considerably degraded without you realizing it. While we encourage getting the most out of your hardware and have helpful tips for boosting your Wi-Fi without spending money, these tricks can only extend the life of an old router so much.
Therefore, it's time to consider upgrading your router if you notice significant problems such as decreased Wi-Fi coverage or poor security. With a new router, you can enjoy a more stable Wi-Fi connection, improved security, and wider coverage.
Your Router Is Hot, Noisy, or Erratic
Let's start by addressing the most critical reasons for router upgrades before delving into more complex ones.
Firstly, if your router feels very hot to the touch (and it's not a model known for running hot), it's likely that the device is struggling to keep up with the demand you're placing on it, or it's close to hardware failure.
Many routers are fanless and operate silently through passive cooling. If your router starts making strange noises, such as a whining sound, it could be a warning sign that one or more components are malfunctioning.
Lastly, if your router is behaving erratically, such as randomly turning off, causing all connections in your home to drop and reconnect, or if you find yourself rebooting it frequently (or even resorting to setting up a smart plug to restart it nightly), it's time to upgrade.
Your Router No Longer Receives Updates
While many people upgrade their routers due to poor coverage and slow connection speeds, neglecting security concerns can be risky. If your router is no longer receiving regular firmware updates, or worse, not receiving updates at all, then it's time to invest in a newer model.
Every product has its vulnerabilities and new exploits are frequently discovered. With a new router, you'll receive consistent updates that patch bugs, add new features, and improve channel optimization. More importantly, critical vulnerabilities will be patched quickly, ensuring the security of your home network and personal information.
If your router is no longer receiving updates, it's effectively dead to the manufacturer and should be replaced. Don't put your home network security and stability at risk by relying on outdated hardware.
You’re Not Getting the Full Internet Speed You’re Paying For
Maximizing your monthly payment to your Internet Service Provider (ISP) is crucial, and having an outdated router can hinder your connection’s performance, even with the fastest ISP in your area or upgraded internet package.
Older routers may not have gigabit WAN ports to connect to your internet modem or gigabit ports for the network switch portion. Their outdated hardware and slow ports may cause them to struggle with the full bandwidth capacity of your new connection, despite paying for a faster broadband connection.
Thus, if your speed test results are significantly lower than your internet package, your router might be the culprit. Ensure to conduct your speed tests using a computer connected to the router via Ethernet for the most accurate results, as the maximum theoretical speed of your Wi-Fi router may not be fully allocated.
Your Router Can’t Handle All Your Devices
Perhaps your router was sufficient for your household needs years ago. However, with the widespread addition of network connectivity to gadgets ranging from smart TVs to smart plugs, the number of connected devices has skyrocketed.
While your router cannot increase your internet connection's speed, it can guarantee that the internet bandwidth is distributed equally among devices and that all devices can maintain a secure connection to the router.
If your smartphone drops off Wi-Fi frequently, your spouse's work Zoom calls are disrupted, and this can't be blamed on several high-demand activities on a slow internet connection, it's time to consider replacing the router with a modern one capable of operating in a high-density setting.
Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and Wi-Fi 7 are all built with specific features to optimize Wi-Fi connectivity in present-day high-density environments. If you're still using a Wi-Fi 4 or Wi-Fi 5 router, it's best to upgrade so that your router can handle the demands of your household.
Your Router Doesn’t Provide Enough Wi-Fi Coverage
Another frustrating scenario with routers is when they don't have enough coverage range to reach all areas of your home and yard where you use your devices frequently. If you find yourself turning off Wi-Fi and switching to mobile data while using your phone in the bathroom on the far end of your house or on the patio, your router is likely underpowered for your home.
The same applies when you use Wi-Fi extenders to get coverage in out-of-the-way spots like the kid's playroom over the garage or on the patio. While Wi-Fi extenders can provide a temporary fix, they're not a long-term solution.
We recommend upgrading to a more powerful router or switching to a mesh system to improve Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home. Mesh systems are a great option even for those who only need a single access point.
Your Router Was Released Five or More Ago
It's important to note that the age of your router isn't determined by when you bought it, but rather when the manufacturer introduced it to the market. Even if you recently acquired a router, it may be significantly outdated if it was introduced five or more years ago.
As of early 2023, routers released in 2018 or earlier are missing out on a lot of modern features and improvements such as WPA3 and Wi-Fi 6. Buying an old router without these features from Amazon or Best Buy won't cut it.
Even if you bought a new-to-you router five years ago, it may be using even older technology. Don't hold on to outdated routers - invest in a modern Wi-Fi router that is light years ahead of its predecessors.
