Here’s the best time to replace your Wi-Fi router, as experts recommend: Tech: Tech Times

Wi-Fi routers are playing an increasingly important role these days as work-from-home setups become more common and almost everything requires an internet connection. That’s why others have asked when is the best time to replace a router.

Experts reportedly generally recommend replacing your router at least every five years. However, replacing a router every two to three years is recommended if people use multiple smart home devices or regularly purchase the latest computers, phones, and other major Wi-Fi devices.

Ethernet cables running from the back of a wireless router in Washington, D.C., March 21, 2019.
(Photo: MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Router security and technology continues to evolve, as seen by the significant advances over the past few years with the introduction of Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and most recently Wi-Fi 7. This demonstrates the value of upgrading consumers to a supported version of the router whenever it sees fit, even if the router it is currently using is still working.

The first sign of a router change is that your network needs help managing multiple devices. Reports suggest that switching to Wi-Fi 6, a newer generation of Wi-Fi, works better in dense, busy areas where many devices fight for bandwidth.

Additionally, a newer router with cutting-edge features such as MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output) can provide better control over multiple device connections.

However, remember that a router transfers the bandwidth and speed that customers pay for from the ISP to other wireless devices. The router does not create its own bandwidth or speed. To start with, there’s not much a router can do if incoming bandwidth is limited.

Read also: Massive Cyberattack Destroyed Over 600,000 Routers in Midwestern US: Report

Other signs of a router change

According to Forbes, significant overheating means it’s time to replace your router. Overheated routers may have a shorter lifespan and performance issues.

Dust accumulation, inadequate ventilation and malfunctioning internal components can lead to overheating. You should consider upgrading to a new router with improved thermal management if your current router is unusually hot to the touch or if you notice performance degradation when using it for long periods of time.

Another sign is that a router that disconnects frequently may be having trouble maintaining a consistent connection. There are many potential causes of this problem, such as outdated firmware, damaged hardware, or the router’s inability to manage the amount of data transferred or the number of connected devices.

Wi-Fi device compatibility

Another reason for changing routers is their simple incompatibility. A router’s inability to support multiple devices is not the same as its incompatibility with newer models. The latest communications standards are often included in devices as they evolve, which older routers may not support.

For example, a router manufactured before Wi-Fi 6 may not support a new laptop or smartphone designed for Wi-Fi 6. By upgrading the router, users can take advantage of all the latest technical advancements in devices and ensure compatibility with the latest models.

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