How often should you replace your router and modem?
Whether to replace the modem and router is not usually a straightforward decision. New versions are released more often than one can imagine and they come with higher speeds and extra functionalities but is it necessary to always upgrade or is it just a gimmick to make you part with more cash? Here are a few ideas you may use to figure out when the right time to replace your router and modem.
That being said, the duration of routers and modems varies depending on their brands and quality, but on average, they are expected to last for about 5-7 years.
At present, most of the routers and modems are built to give optimum performance when used for 3- 5 years of average usage. Technology however evolves quickly and hence even though the older model may still function effectively, a newer one available on the market is bound to provide faster wifi speed and improved stability. The situations where replacing equipment can be beneficial are as follows; If the equipment you are using is more than 5 years old then a replacement offers a considerable improvement.
Certain symptoms can indicate your hardware is failing or it is time to upgrade your PC’s hardware.
But what do you do with the fact that the equipment you are considering is relatively old? Even within that 3-5 year window, there may be signs indicating a need for replacement: Even within that 3-5 year window, there may be signs indicating a need for replacement:
Slow internet connection – if you are experiencing a lot of buffering, difficulties when opening web pages, or connection speed that is below what has been advertised in your plan, it can be your router or modem that is faulty. That actually can be confirmed when you test your speeds, more so when you are directly connected to the modem.
Intermittent wireless connectivity – This may be characterized by constant connection loss or disruptions in internet connectivity could also indicate issues with aging equipment.
Firmware and security issues – Router producers sometimes find out that the routers they made had flaws in the old firmware, which risks creating more security holes and hacking threats in the future. It is also important to note that newer routers have better security protection than older ones.
Lack of contemporaneous design elements – Do you require Wi-Fi 6 speeds, mesh Wi-Fi support, or an integrated smart home management solution? There might be reason enough to upgrade because of new features that a particular device cannot support.
Thus, regardless of the router and modem age you have, it is critical to focus on functional problems or missed features affecting your home requirements.
A situation that arises when people shift to a better-quality internet connection.
One of the cases that lead to acquiring new equipment is having streaming internet service from a faster internet package. The throughput capability of a modem and router is limited in terms of the amount of data they can process. First, most ISPs have a maximum speed for any equipment they furnish or endorse and offer the speed accordingly.
If you transition from 100Mbps to a gigabit fiber connection and continue using an old modem with a max throughput of 400Mbps, then you will never get the said gigabit WiFi speed across your home. The speed of the connection offered by any equipment, which is more than 3-5 years old, cannot be adequate.
In these instances, it means that one needs to invest in new equipment to fully utilize what that premium internet connection would bring. Most of the ISPs will swap out the gear at no extra charge or a relatively cheaper price once one switches to the next tier. If all is not provided by the ISP, you have to buy your router, but it is crucial for obtaining specified speeds.
Think about configuring both the router and modem to be refreshed at the same time.
In an ideal world, it would be best to upgrade your router and modem in sets, whenever possible. Even if you have a new modem and you add a high-performance modem, it will not help if the original speed problem is located at the modem level. If only one is replaced it then creates compatibility problems with other components as well.
Manufacturers sometimes recommend using their routers and modems in pairs with the same product line for optimal performance. This enables uninterrupted hand-off communication between the devices and guarantees your router ports are at par with the modem’s maximum capability.
Upgrading both the router and modem concurrently is the best course of action especially when many devices require the overhaul of the whole home network architecture in the next 3-5 years at the least in a piecemeal fashion. It is cheaper, in the long run, to set aside two replacements instead of having to go through the process many times with just one spare.
Systematic and Efficient: Proactive Replacement Cycle
As expected, be assertive and plan by replacing routers and modems approximately every four to five years, irrespective of the performance of your current devices. Set a reminder on the calendar every year to evaluate the ages of devices, and when enhancements are compelling enough to warrant buying the new generation equipment.
It is wise not to be caught off guard by a software glitch or a system that is not up to date with the latest innovations. It also capitalizes on improved security, speed, range, and reliability on each consecutive generation. If you do regularly upgrade your internet plans then you would already have hardware that supports those speeds.
Consider a few other best practices around managing your router and modem lifespans as well
1. Research Compatible Replacements Early: When conducting preparations for switches, research current router and modem models at least 6 months before to ensure no stockouts occur. There have been challenges in the acquisition of some networking gear in the last few years due to complications in supply chains. This is because once a new device is selected, it is most effective to order early.
2. Buy Your Equipment: Many ISPs offer equipment such as modems and routers for lease which are required to be returned. Thus, if you can purchase your own the idea of being able to refuel on your schedule only is a plus as well as there may be monetary benefits in the long run.
3. Don’t Wait for Total Failure: If your devices are operating in a subpar manner, don’t wait until they stop working altogether. Likely, their current performance does not suffice the requirements of high speed that you require. Pre-emptively be highly active in replacing old assets.
It is therefore important to follow these tips to make sure that you change your home network equipment as recommended. Assess functionality problems and equipment life-cycle every year. Also, expect a need to upgrade a modem plus router, every 4-5 years, to maintain the speeds at their highest.
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