Yes, routers need to be replaced. Signs you need a new one

There are many possible causes for slow internet. Your ISP may be throttling your speed, your plan may be too slow for all the devices that use it, or your router may be in the wrong place.

But sometimes you’ll need to completely upgrade your older gear. In general, experts recommend replacing your router at least every five years. Do it every two to three years if you use a lot of smart home gadgets, or if you regularly buy the latest laptops, phones, and other basic Wi-Fi devices. That means there are probably a lot of us who could benefit from upgrading to a new router in 2024. Here’s how to figure it all out and make the right upgrade at the right time.

Are speed issues due to the router?

A good router should be able to take full advantage of the internet speeds you pay for. However, if your network seems slower than you expected, there are some steps you should take to make sure your router is the culprit.

Sometimes all it takes is a simple restart to get your network working as it should, so start with the obvious and unplug your router and modem, then plug them back in. Dave Coleman, Wi-Fi expert, author, and CTO of Extreme Networks, the company that managed Wi-Fi at Super Bowl 55, also recommends restarting the Wi-Fi drivers on your phone, laptop, and other important client devices.

“It’s amazing how that will solve about 90 percent of the problems, because the drivers are the interface between the radio and the operating system, and they can get confusing,” Coleman says. “I know it sounds simple, but it’s the first thing people should do when troubleshooting.”

It’s also a good idea to try bypassing the router entirely, which you can do by connecting your computer directly to your modem with an Ethernet cable. Is this wired level of online performance noticeably better than what you get when you’re connected wirelessly from a short distance away, in the same room as the router? That’s a sure sign that your router isn’t using your network to its full potential.

If you’re still having trouble, try running a few speed tests in different places in your home, using a few different devices—your phone and your laptop, for example. I like the Ookla Speed ​​Test, which is fast, free, reliable, and easy to use—you can run it in your browser by clicking here , or you can download the Ookla speed test app for your Android or iOS device, or even your Apple TV. (Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET.) No matter what devices you’re using, these results should give you a clearer idea of ​​whether the problem is with a specific client device or location in your home, or if it’s a broader issue across the board.

The numbers give you a better idea of ​​the status quo, and quick changes can give you a nice speed boost. Try moving your router to a more open and central location in your home, preferably as high as possible. Also, adjusting the angle of the antennas can help boost the signal in certain areas of your home. It’s also a good idea to blow compressed air through the ports on the back and vents to blow through any built-up dust—this can cause the router to overheat and lose performance.

None of this worked and your internet still stinks? Yes, you probably need a new router.

Is it time to upgrade to next-generation Wi-Fi?

Router technology and security are constantly evolving, and we have seen significant leaps in the last few years with the advent of Wifi 6Wi-Fi 6E, and in recent months, Wi-Fi 7. These kinds of generational advances are leaving yesterday’s routers in the dust, so it’s worth upgrading to a router that supports them as soon as it makes sense for you — even if the one you’re using now is still up to the task.

Plus, the very fact that so many of us are spending so much more time at home these days makes the idea of ​​replacing our router seem even more tempting.

“People run into problems where mom is trying to do a Zoom call and it’s not working because the kids are upstairs watching Netflix,” says Coleman. “That’s one sign that your Wi-Fi might need to be upgraded.”

Upgrading to Wi-Fi 6, the newer generation of Wi-Fi that’s better suited to dense, congested environments where you have a lot of devices competing for bandwidth, is definitely one way to strengthen your network. And with Wi-Fi 7 coming in 2024, you can now find Wi-Fi 6 and 6E devices at much lower prices.

Do you need a mesh router?

Is your connection strong in some spots throughout your home but weak or nonexistent in others? If so, upgrading to a mesh system, which uses multiple devices to extend your network’s range and distribute a more stable signal throughout your home, could be one of the most significant technology upgrades you can invest in.

Mesh routers have been around for a few years now, but it’s only been in the last year or two that we’ve seen decent options available for under $300. Now, in 2024, you have a ton of systems to choose from, with prices ranging from entry-level models that cost just $150 or less to high-end systems that cost upwards of $1,000.

In my opinion, the best strategy for this spectrum of mesh options is to aim for the middle ground. The tri-band design, which adds a second 5GHz band to serve as a dedicated backhaul channel between the main router and its satellites, was the biggest difference-maker in my testing, and it’s worth paying a little more for.

Your router can’t work miracles

One final note: It’s important to understand that a router doesn’t generate speed or bandwidth — it takes the bandwidth you pay for from your ISP and sends it to your home so your wireless devices can connect. If that incoming bandwidth is capped, your router can’t do much about it.

Eventually, improvements in things like satellite internet and the continued rollout of 5G and fiber should help bridge the bandwidth gap in parts of the country that lack access to high-speeds. But until that happens, paying extra for an upgraded router is probably overkill.

“I wish there was an answer that said, ‘Yes, you can upgrade your router and that will solve your ISP bandwidth problem,’” Coleman says. “But the answer is not true.”

In this “small pipe” situation, Coleman recommends focusing on saving bandwidth—especially in the scenario described earlier, where mom’s work calls are being cut off because of her kids’ Netflix habits. His suggestion: look for a router with good parental control settings.

“If you’re a parent, you can set time and firewall settings to restrict access to certain types of apps, as well as specific times when certain people can use them,” says Coleman. “My kids are grown now, but I used to do that!”