Router Woes: Is It Time for a Change?

Your wireless router is like the heart of your home’s internet connection, keeping all your devices connected. But, like any technology, routers can wear out over time and need to be replaced. So, how can you tell if your router is going bad and it’s time for a new one? Here are 12 signs to look out for:

1. Frequent Disconnections and Spotty WiFi

If your devices keep losing and reconnecting to the WiFi, it could mean your router’s hardware is failing. To fix this, try restarting your router. If the issue persists, this can be a sign you need a new router.

2. Sluggish Internet Speeds

Slow speeds, despite a good internet plan, could indicate your wifi router is going bad. Upgrade to a newer router that supports faster WiFi standards, like802.11ac or WiFi 6, for improved speed and performance.

3. Inability to Connect New Devices

If you can’t add new devices to your network, your router may be maxed out on capacity. Consider upgrading to a router that can support more devices simultaneously.

4. Weak Wireless Range and Dead Zones

If you notice areas where the WiFi signal is weak or nonexistent, your router’s antennas or radios might be wearing out. Upgrade to a router with stronger antennas, or consider adding WiFi extenders to improve coverage.

5. Overheating Issues

An excessively hot router could be a sign that your router is bad and can cause risky damage. Ensure your router is placed in a well-ventilated area, and consider adding a small fan or cooling pad to prevent overheating.

6. Strange Noises and Erratic Lights

Whirring, buzzing, or clicking sounds, along with odd blinking lights, could indicate internal issues, which can be one of the symptoms of a bad router. Contact the manufacturer for support, or consider replacing the router if the problem persists.

7. Constant Need to Restart or Reset

If you’re frequently restarting your router to restore internet access, it might be failing. Check for firmware updates, and if the issue continues, consider replacing the router.

8. Router is Over 5 Years Old

Routers typically last about 3 to 5 years, but this can vary. Some may last longer, while others might fail sooner. It’s best to replace your router if you notice frequent issues or if it no longer meets your needs. So if yours is older, it might be time for a new one. Upgrade to a newer model with updated features and improved performance.

9. Outdated WiFi Standards and Hardware

Old routers may struggle with modern activities like 4K streaming or online gaming. Upgrade to a router that supports newer WiFi standards for better performance.

10. Lack of Security Updates

If your router isn’t receiving firmware updates, it could be vulnerable to security threats. Your router might be in bad shape, so check for firmware updates regularly or consider upgrading to a router that receives regular security updates.

11. Supporting Too Many Devices

One of the bad router symptoms is you might struggle with the bandwidth demands of multiple devices, especially with old-model routers. Upgrade to a router with better capacity for handling multiple devices simultaneously.

12. Random Spontaneous Reboots

Your router can go bad when it reboots on its own frequently, it could be a sign of hardware failure. Contact the manufacturer for support, and consider replacing the router if the problem persists.

13. Intermittent Wi-Fi Signal

If your Wi-Fi signal drops in and out sporadically, it could indicate a sign that you need a new router. Try moving closer to the router to see if the signal improves. If not, consider replacing the router.

14. Firmware Update Failures

If your router consistently fails to update its firmware or encounters errors during the update process, it may be a sign of hardware issues. Contact the manufacturer for support, or consider upgrading to a new router.

15. Poor Performance with Multiple Devices

Suppose your router struggles to maintain stable connections and adequate speeds with multiple devices connected simultaneously. In that case, it may be time to upgrade to a router with better multitasking capabilities or be a sign that you need a new router.

If you notice any of these problems, try fixing your router or ask for help. Sometimes, you might need to get a new router to fix your internet. Before you make any changes, make sure to save your router’s settings to avoid losing any important data.