Are you struggling with connectivity and having to restart your router intermittently? If so, you might be prompted to ask, “how long do wifi routers last?”
Well, there is no specific answer to how long wifi routers last. They might last for an extended period without needing replacement. But with its prolonged usage, there might be a slight performance dip.
Compared to other consumables, routers require replacement after years of usage. But, how soon you need a replacement is determined by several factors like brand, use, quality, build, and technology.
Nevertheless, this article will answer the question, “how long do wifi routers last?” And what factors determine how long it will last, and what signs do you need to replace it?
Table of Contents
How Long Do Routers Last?
Routers can last for an average of five years. However, its longevity can be greater or lesser than this depending on factors like usage, maintenance, brand, and technology.
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What Factors Determine How Long Routers Last?
Routers are electronic devices. Thus, they have a fixed lifespan and can wear and tear with time. So, here are the factors that determine how long wifi routers last:
Usage
If you connected your router to several devices when it was designed for only two devices, it could result in overheating. An overloaded router heats faster, which could destroy the router’s internal components.
As the components continually damage, you may notice frequent restarts and slow performance. Hence, you should take a break from your router every few hours or days to allow it to cool.
Alternatively, you can adjust the router’s location by placing it on the wall beside the window for better ventilation.
Brand
Typically, router brands like Asus, Linksys, and Netgear last longer because of their superior construction.
Routers with top-quality materials and designs have a longer lifespan and do not wear or break out quickly if appropriately maintained. But the best router brands may become obsolete because technology keeps evolving.
Installation location
The location your router is installed may determine how long it will last. If you install it in an enclosed place without proper ventilation, it will accumulate dust. This will eventually make it wear out and stop working.
Again, keeping your router in a high-traffic place will increase the risk of accidents, eventually making it wear or tear. As people walk past it, the router or its cables may be broken, knocked on the floor, or even plugged out.
If it happens this way, the router may not live up to five years.
Evolving technology
Data transfer speeds and network standards improve with time. And five years is such a long time in the tech industry. Therefore, evolving technology is among the significant reasons you should replace your router.
For instance, the frequencies that wifi standard use have changed in the past decade. And the latest frequencies offer a better user experience than the old ones.
The 802.3 level and wireless standard lesson 2009 differ in internet speed from the latest 802.11n and 802.11ac. Still, 802.11ac comes with many more benefits than 802.11n.
For instance, 802.11ac uses 5GHz frequency, less congested than 2.4GHz. It also supports several input and output technologies for improved streaming.
Additionally, it uses Beamforming technology which sends wireless signals to the receiving device rather than spreading the signal at all angles from the broadcast point.
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Signs That You Need To Replace Your Router
The easiest sign that you need to replace your wifi router is when it is physically broken. However, wifi routers don’t usually break all at once.
Other signs could be slower speed, connectivity issues, no internet connections, and other malfunctions. In addition, there are other signs you should look out for:
No internet connection
If your router refuses to connect to the internet using wifi or ethernet cable, it could be bad. So, try reconnecting it to a modem.
If using the modem resolves the issue, it means you need to replace your router.
Connection reduces randomly
Nothing is more annoying than a wifi router that frequently drops out. To troubleshoot this problem, check the cables, change the router’s location, or reset it to factory default.
In addition, you can switch it to another power outlet. Ensure it is password-protected so that your neighbors won’t overload it. If the issue persists, you should consider getting a new router.
Power loss
If your router cannot turn on or goes off immediately after it turns on, it’s a sign that the internal components are bad or the power supply is bad. So, check the power cables for loose connections or get a new power supply. If these do not fix the problem, you need to change your router.
Lights show no connection
Are your router lights showing no connection? Then run a power cycle on your modem and router. If it doesn’t fix the issue, use different Ethernet cables.
Again, check that your modem has the most recent firmware. If the lights still don’t indicate a connection with connected devices, the router might be failing.
Random reboots
If your router continuously reboots itself, it could be faulty. This means one of the internal components is having issues keeping pace. Therefore, it needs to be refreshed.
But if you have used your router for many years, this could indicate that you need to replace it.
FAQs On How Long Do Routers Last
If you’re experiencing poor connectivity or your wifi speeds and range are getting worse, then your router is failing. However, you shouldn’t wait until you see all these signs before replacing your router; any of them could indicate that the components inside your router are breaking down.
The simplest way to check your router’s health is by using the router’s mobile app, which often has the option to check for updates manually. Meanwhile, the settings or menu’s name will differ according to brand. Also, you can see your router’s web app (which you can often access by entering an IP address—typically 192.168. 0.1 or 192.168.
Although routers barely display external signs of decay, they will show signs of decay and will be slower than average speeds to your device(s). To troubleshoot this problem, connect a laptop directly to your modem or computer using an ethernet cable.
If you experience slow internet speeds on wifi but improved internet speed when plugged into your modem, the fault is likely from your router. However, if your rates are slower than average, the issue may be from your internet service provider.
Here are some of the best routers:
1. TP-Link Archer AX21
2. Linksys Hydra Pro 6 (MR5500)
3. TP-Link Deco W7200
4. Asus RT-AX86U
5. Netgear Orbi (dual-band, AC1200)
Bottom Line
Wifi routers can last for five years on average. But routers can still last beyond five years, depending on usage, brand, maintenance, quality, and technology.
In addition to explaining how long wifi routers last, we discussed the factors determining how long routers last and the signs that you need to replace your router.
So, do you have a router? If yes, how many years has it lasted? Tell us in the comments zone.
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