Wi-Fi Problems? Signs That You Need to Replace Your Router

Wed, Dec 16, 2020 9:34 PM Technology Wifi

Not every Wi-Fi problems require tech help. When your home Wi-Fi starts to connect and disconnect, slows down, or just decreases in quality in general, anything from movie night to everyday virtual learning will start to be affected. And, sadly, when something starts to go wrong with your internet connection, the suspect, particularly when it comes to troubleshooting your router, can be a little difficult to find.

Here are a few ways to understand why your internet Wi-Fi problems are triggered by your router and why it might be time to buy a new one.

Outdated Router

If it is more than four or five years old, it's time to upgrade your router. Many devices connected to Wi-Fi, such as smartphones, tablets, and smart home devices, frequently receive software updates. If the hardware attached to your router is more than the router is designed to accommodate, as more time passes and more devices are connected, you might ask for issues.

Also, a router bought before 2018 may not be compliant with the newest standard of Wi-Fi technology, 802.11.ax. New standards for Wi-Fi allow faster speeds and improved communication between your devices and your link to the internet. A router purchased in 2015 was completely fitted with the latest available technology, just like a vehicle (802.11.ac). For supporting 2020 and younger devices, a router purchased in 2020 is configured.

If your router is on 24/7, the heat from the system will start to affect it over time, (let's be honest, it probably is). The heat stress is sufficient for your router to wear down and cause symptoms such as spotty coverage and slow speeds. In order to allow the heat to escape, vents are built-in to the system, but over time, dust can clog those vents and cause overheating if you're not careful.

By using compressed air to clear your router vents, consider doing a bit of maintenance every now and then. When you point a fan near your computer and the issues begin to subside, you will know for sure that your internet problems are caused by heat. Invest in a new system when you're ready and follow a daily maintenance plan for the future.

Router Compatibility

It is likely that your router is not at all wrong with anything. For your home, it might just be the wrong router.

If it's not capable of the speed that your internet plan requires and your connected devices need a brand new router won't amount to much. Before you buy a new one, be sure to check the maximum speeds specified on your router. When you're into internet activities such as gaming and sporting a one-gig monthly contract, not every computer on the market can give you the experience you want.

If your router is not up to the task, the size of your home will affect your Wi-Fi output. You may have a brand new, top-of-the-line router with the highest speed features, but if you have a house wider than your router's range, coverage would be limited to as far as your router allows.

Try some "booster" options such as Wi-Fi extenders or a Wi-Fi repeater to drive your signal as far as it can go if you're not looking to replace it just yet. Think of a mesh network when you are about to replace it. These systems build a web network of spiders that stretches as you walk around your house.