5 reasons you might need to upgrade your router :- The WiFi router that provides internet access in your home is often overlooked for upgrades and replacement, but your WiFi router plays a vital role in determining your internet experience and it may be time to replace or upgrade your WiFi router.
Although people at home may not care as long as it works and sends WiFi, it is not advisable, as networking standards are updated regularly, and the number of networked devices in your home also keeps increasing from time to time. So you should know when you need to upgrade your router.
5 reasons you might need to upgrade your router
Here are the top five reasons to replace or upgrade your router.
If you have a high-speed connection, but your device still struggles to stream videos or make internet-based calls, the problem is not with the internet connection. The problem may be with your router. If you face low browsing speeds, compatibility issues, and security concerns with your Wi-Fi router, you should consider replacing it with a modern router. Upgrading to a newer model can offer additional features like mesh connectivity and advanced compatibility. But the important thing is to know when to replace the router and when to go for a more efficient upgrade.
1. You have a very old router—
Like any technology, routers have a lifespan. If you’re using a router that’s more than five years old, it may be lagging in terms of performance and security. As technology evolves, routers’ speed, range, and security features improve. Older routers may not support newer Wi-Fi standards like Wi-Fi 6, which allows for faster speeds and better handling of multiple devices.
Upgrading your router can improve your internet experience, ensuring your network is secure and able to meet the demands of modern devices and applications.
2. Weak Signal—
If your device cannot get a strong enough Wi-Fi signal, you will have a poor Wi-Fi experience. If you have an old or outdated Wi-Fi router, it may have trouble delivering a strong enough signal in your home or office.
There are several signs that a weak signal problem on a Wi-Fi router may occur:
Signal dropping-
This happens when you move around your home or office, causing your device to disconnect and reconnect to the Wi-Fi network.
Dead zones-
There will be areas in your home where you cannot get a Wi-Fi signal. These are called Wi-Fi dead spots;
Interruptions in browsing-
You may experience delays for no reason when trying to upload something or download a large file.
The cause of these problems may be, Insufficient router power: The Wi-Fi router may not provide whole-house coverage for the existing space. You can consider additional antennas, but they are less effective than a new router.
New Wi-Fi routers are better in terms of coverage area and signal penetration. Even if you want to provide coverage to the entire home or the entire office, a new Wi-Fi router can help. Similarly, new routers use advanced technologies to enable a seamless signal transfer method, especially with a mesh network system.
3. It Feels Slower Than Normal—
A significant decrease in internet speed can be frustrating and may indicate that your router is no longer efficient. Slow speeds may be caused by older hardware that cannot handle high-bandwidth activities or a large number of connected devices.
If you are experiencing slow speeds, especially when compared to the speeds promised by your Internet service provider (ISP), this is a clear sign that your router may be the bottleneck in your network. Upgrading to a new router can resolve these speed-related issues, leading to a smoother and faster online experience.
4. Security—
Security concerns are also a reason to upgrade your router. You need to understand how router security works. When you buy a new router, it also comes with the latest security system. Manufacturers try to release regular updates, and threat actors need time to discover flaws in the system. Although this is the case for the first few years, things become problematic as time goes by. When you have a five or 10-year-old Wi-Fi router, threat actors have already found ways to exploit the problems in the router.
So, even when you use a Wi-Fi-protected setup and high-security passwords, there are still chances that your network is at risk. There are only a few things you can do to prevent these attacks, especially if you live in a busy Neighbourhood where there are hundreds of people on one block.
5. Your Router Is Overheating –
Routers are supposed to be able to handle the heat, but excessive overheating is a warning sign. A router that overheats can suffer from performance issues and a reduced lifespan. Overheating can be caused by poor ventilation, dust buildup, or internal component failure. If your router feels unusually hot to the touch or you notice a drop in performance during prolonged use, it’s wise to consider replacing it with a model that has better heat management.
How to Troubleshoot Your Router-
Before considering replacement, make sure the problem is unresolvable. Start with a simple restart: This often resolves minor connectivity issues. Next, check whether your router’s firmware is up to date, as manufacturers release updates to enhance performance and security. The router’s location in your home can also cause problems. Ideally, it should be in a central location, away from physical obstructions and electronic interference, such as microwaves and cordless phones.
It’s also important to protect your network with a strong password to prevent unauthorized access that could impact performance. If these steps don’t produce a fix, try resetting the router to its factory settings. If you’re wondering if you need a new router, starting with effective troubleshooting can help you revitalize your router’s functionality, potentially delaying the need for an immediate upgrade.
5 reasons you might need to upgrade your router, Top 5 reasons why you need to upgrade your router, When should I upgrade my router, 5 reasons you should upgrade your Wi-Fi router
Also Read…
5 Best Free Stock Trading Apps || Best Trading Apps in The US 2024
