Nowadays, most individuals are dependent on the internet to navigate their daily lives, whether it be through streaming, gaming, or remote working.
Experiencing issues with your internet connection can cause incredible frustration and completely ruin your day.
So, how to tell if your router is bad?
There are a few ways to tell if the issues with your internet reside with the router itself, these include login issues, intermittent connections, poor responsiveness, faulty light displays, and physical damage.
In terms of how long does a router last, you can expect three to five years on average. If you are exceeding this period, the age of the router may be a contributing factor to your weak internet connection.
Below, we outline various factors which can reveal whether your router is encountering performance issues.
If your router has experienced any of the symptoms we share below, your device may need a repair or a replacement.
Signs That You Need A New Router
1. Login Issues
Encountering login issues and receiving connection notifications signal potential router faults. To avoid ongoing problems and limited internet access, consider changing the router.
However, sometimes the issues might arise due to incorrect connections or problems with USB or ethernet cables.
In such cases, disconnecting and reconnecting the wires often resolves the problem, restoring the router’s functionality.
But if the router remains faulty even after these troubleshooting steps, it’s advisable to replace it with a new one to ensure a reliable and efficient internet connection.
2. Sudden Network Stoppage
Frequent router malfunctions and abrupt loss of connectivity are common occurrences. Fluctuations in the signal throughout the day are clear indicators of a faulty router.
While restarting may temporarily resolve the issue, you should have the router checked for the root cause.
In some instances, signal instability or disconnections may arise due to increased load on the WiFi network from numerous devices.
However, more often than not, the root of the problem lies with the failing router itself.
Addressing the router’s issues promptly can significantly improve network stability and overall performance.
3. Slow Data Transfer and Poor Performance
Reduced internet speed is a key sign of router issues, impacting online work, causing high ping in games, and jeopardizing overall performance.
To identify the interruptions, examine the connection.
Try connecting the router to a different device, check for problems, consider router replacement, or purchase a new one.
If the router fails to function with any device, it suggests further examination into the router issue is required.
4. Lack of Responsiveness
The router operates by responding to given instructions. However, if it becomes slow or unresponsive, a temporary fix is to disconnect and reconnect it. Simply unplug the router and wait a few minutes before plugging it in again.
This action clears any clogged queues that may occur when the router starts instantly. If the issue persists even after proper reconnection and checking, it indicates a faulty router that requires repair or replacement.
In such cases, more in-depth troubleshooting or professional assistance may be necessary to determine the root cause of the problem and ensure a reliable and efficient router performance.
5. Faulty Indicator Lights
The LED indicator lights on a router provide valuable insights into its status and performance. If the router lights blink frequently, it signifies a well-functioning router.
However, if these lights display signs of failure, it indicates that the router is not operating correctly.
Here are the main examples of when router failures can be revealed by the LED lights:
- Dimming lights or frequent blinking, with lights occasionally going off, suggests that the router is nearing the end of its life. In such cases, it’s worth replacing the router with a new one to avoid potential issues.
- If fewer lights are lit on the router than usual, it could be a sign of router failure. Fewer active lights might imply that certain components within the router are not functioning correctly.
- A router that appears unlit but is still able to connect to devices may display an early symptom of an impending failure. Although it seems functional, this situation could worsen over time and lead to complete malfunction.
- In instances where the router fails to illuminate all its lights, there is a high likelihood that it has encountered an internal issue. The failure to activate specific indicators might indicate a specific malfunction in the router’s hardware or software.
- Dimmer lights than usual are also an indicator that it might be time to replace your WiFi router. Dimming lights may imply a decrease in the router’s efficiency or internal problems, which can impact its overall performance.
- Regularly monitoring the LED lights on your router can help detect potential problems and allow for timely intervention.
If any of these signs persist or worsen despite basic troubleshooting, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance or consider investing in a new router to maintain a stable and reliable internet connection.
6. Continuous Reconnection
Frequent reconnections between your device and the router throughout the day indicate a problem with the router.
To address this issue, consider resetting the router. Access the router’s configuration page and reset it using the provided option.
If resetting resolves the problem, there may be no immediate need to replace the router.
However, if the issue persists with repeated connection failures or if the router fails to work even after resetting, it’s time to consider getting a new router to ensure stable and reliable internet connectivity.
7. Damaged Port or Wireless Connection Issues
This scenario is uncommon, but if the wireless features of the router malfunction, it can lead to overall failure.
In such cases, other devices connected to the router might work fine, while one particular device’s connection fails.
To troubleshoot, attempt connecting the problematic device to a WAN or LAN port using an Ethernet cable.
This will help determine if the issue lies with the specific port or the device itself. If the problem persists, further investigation or assistance might be needed to identify and resolve the root cause of the connectivity problem.
8. Router Age
On average, a properly used router lasts three to five years.
To maintain a smooth and fast internet connection, upgrading the router every five years is recommended.
Over time, the router may break down or slow down due to outdated technology, necessitating replacement.
Dust accumulation over the years can clog the inner vents, and aged hardware can contribute to reduced efficiency. As the router ages, its performance declines, making an upgrade necessary.
9. Overheating
Overuse or improper placement of the router is a common issue with electronic gadgets. Excessive heat emitted from the router can damage its internal components, leading to breakdowns beyond the average life expectancy.
Symptoms of overheating include fluctuating internet connection, slow speed, the smell of burnt plastic, and hardware failures.
If your router overheats quickly, consider replacing it. To prevent overheating, ensure good airflow around the router or use a fan directed at the device.
10. Physical Damage
Routers are typically sturdy and can endure wear and tear. However, a severe fall or dropping from a great height can cause damage to the internal circuit board.
If you discover a significant crack in the router’s casing, it’s crucial to either repair or replace it.
11. Lack of Compatibility with Newer Devices
Encountering compatibility issues with a newly added device to the router is a result of rapid technological advancements.
ISPs and tech brands introduce new gadgets with cutting-edge chips, elements, and networking components.
These innovations require routers equipped with the latest technology for seamless compatibility. Consequently, older routers may struggle to support these new devices, leading to connectivity problems.
If your router exhibits signs of incapacity to handle multiple devices and struggles to connect with your newest gadgets, it may be outdated.
The best course of action is to replace it with a more recent version capable of accommodating the latest technology and supporting a variety of devices efficiently.
How Do I Know If My Router Is Bad?
If you’ve experienced issues with your internet connection over a significant period and your router is older than five years, you should consider purchasing a new router.
Procrastination will result in ongoing connection fluctuations and undetected hardware problems, impacting your work.
If your router is younger than three years and you’re experiencing the symptoms prescribed in this article, you should contact a technician to examine the device and assess whether a repair or a replacement device is the most appropriate solution.
Has The Durability Of Routers Decreased With Newer Models?
Surprisingly a good number of new routers have less durability compared to older models.
For example, the antennas in some new routers are non-removable and made using cheaper materials so users cannot upgrade the antennas and they cannot open the case to repair any faulty component.
On the other hand, most older routers have a sturdy and robust board design, the antennas are removable, and the case is not made of cheaper materials.
What Is The Typical Duration Of Software Support For Routers?
Generally, the software support for routers is fairly long ranging from 5 to 10 years.
It is important that you check whether a router has reached its end-of-life status (EOL) before buying it as it may not receive important security updates.
For example, ASUS has long-lasting software support for its routers ranging from around 8 to 10 years.
It is worth mentioning that some routers, such as Linksys WRT3200ACM may have reached their EOL status, but the manufacturers can still provide the support needed.
How Often Do WiFi Routers Become Outdated Due To Evolving Technologies?
Not very often. Routers last longer in terms of supported features. This is because the client devices take a while before adopting a new standard.
Most if not all router manufacturers have adopted the WiFi 6 standard which makes them more affordable now than a few years ago. However, this does not mean that the client devices have evolved as well.
The manufacturers that produce smartphones, IoT devices, TVs, and more prefer using two generations lower and push the same 2.4 GHz connection support.
This is because the 2.4 GHz band has a good range and is cheaper and simpler.
How To Avoid Router Failure?
To prevent router failure, follow these steps:
- Ensure vents are unblocked.
- Consider hardwiring the internet connection and replace broken Ethernet cables.
- Verify the cable connections are correct.
- Reboot the router and modem devices.
- Install the latest router firmware update.
- Keep the router far from thick walls and potential sources of interference.
- Replace the router with a reliable model, like a hybrid router.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there a natural wear on wireless routers?
Routers generally have a long lifespan and perform well, but they can wear out due to overheating and lack of maintenance.
Frequent exposure to sunlight and repeatedly inserting/removing cables causes wear and tear and overuse, leading to potential failure.
Heat stress and poor air circulation contribute to this issue. Placing the router on the floor (exposed to dust), near a window (exposed to sunlight), or in a crowded bookcase can accelerate its wear and tear.
How long does a router last?
The typical lifespan of a wireless router is three to five years, assuming it isn’t damaged by overheating or replaced by newer technology.
Proper usage and maintenance also play a role. Overuse can lead to overheating and faults with the device.
How often should routers be replaced?
Typically, routers function effectively for three to five years. Beyond this period, their performance may decline, necessitating replacement.
If the router no longer supports your devices, it’s time to get a new one. Opt for a high-quality router that supports all your devices for seamless connectivity.
Final Words
Hopefully, you’re now clear on the key factors that suggest your router is having issues that require a repair or a replacement.
If your router is older than five years, the age of the device may well contribute to poor performance so you should consider replacing the device with a new router.
Do contact the manufacturer’s customer service team to seek further assistance with your router if you’re experiencing regular poor performance.
