WiFi Router Lifespan

[RNajarian]

I’d like to see the group’s experience with their home WiFi Routers.

My current unit is 2 years 8 months old and is acting up. Devices will lose connection and I need to frequently reboot (unplug then replug) the system to get it to work normally. Tonight I had to do it twice. My hard wired Ethernet devices are also experiencing connectivity problems.

My internet service provider recently upgraded the modem so that likely is not the culprit.

How long are you getting out of your WiFi Routers?

[cabmandone]

4-5 for me. I had an older ASUS that recently stopped working. My TP link is going on 3. I have an actiontec (from CenturyLink) that is 4.

Oh sh.t! I just realized I'll be in the market for two new routers in the next year or two!

Check for a firmware update on your router.

[GH85Carrera]

I upgraded my last router only because I went to Gigabit speed and the old router could not handle that.

My 89 year old Mother in law has the same wi-fi router I gave her many years ago. It was one of mine that I had changed out for a new one for a better signal to my garage. Her router is at least 7 years old if not more. I would guess it is 9. She has a smaller house, and is happy with slower WI-FI and all she does is email and a bit of Amazon buying and download books for the library.

[red-beard]

I said 2-3 years because I change them out about every three years to the newer technology. I have "AC" routers, but my cell phone can handle "WiFi 6".

What amazes me is how many "new" devices can only work on 2.4 GHZ. My pool robot and the WiFi Thermostat (which I really didn't want) are 2.4 GHZ only. I think they are the only things that connect at 2.4 GHZ.

[GH85Carrera]

If my MIL lived in a heavily populated area I would upgrade her wifi just for more security.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by red-beard

I said 2-3 years because I change them out about every three years to the newer technology. I have "AC" routers, but my cell phone can handle "WiFi 6".

What amazes me is how many "new" devices can only work on 2.4 GHZ. My pool robot and the WiFi Thermostat (which I really didn't want) are 2.4 GHZ only. I think they are the only things that connect at 2.4 GHZ.

2.4 is for distance, 5 is for speed

Those remote devices use 2.4 because they are generally the farthest away, only pass small packets of data.

They don’t need a more robust connection and actually perform better over 2.4

[masraum]

I think I've had one router that required replacement, and that was probably 10-15 years ago. Otherwise, I probably get at least 4-5 years out of them, and when they get replaced, it's due to circumstance (change of SP that gave me a new device, wanted a new device for new features, given a new device by SP because my old one was old, etc...)

[Flat Six]

Originally Posted by RNajarian

I’d like to see the group’s experience with their home WiFi Routers.

My current unit is 2 years 8 months old and is acting up. Devices will lose connection and I need to frequently reboot (unplug then replug) the system to get it to work normally. Tonight I had to do it twice. My hard wired Ethernet devices are also experiencing connectivity problems.

My internet service provider recently upgraded the modem so that likely is not the culprit.

How long are you getting out of your WiFi Routers?

^^ I assume this means the hard wired Ethernet devices connected to your WiFi modem, correct? If so, then yes -- certainly sounds like your WiFi router is crapping out. As others have mentioned, you should probably do a firmware update if available.

^^ If you're having this issue and your hard wired Ethernet devices are running through a separate router, then the issue is upstream. Might be with the new modem, its physical connection to your ISP, or even the Ethernet connection between modem and router.

I typically get a new WiFi access point every ~4 years or so. Netgear or TP-Link for me. Haven't had any performance or reliability issues, but periodically upgrade because our needs change -- for faster/stronger signal, easier access management, and improved security.

If you end up replacing your WiFi router (actually, even if you don't) I'd suggest connecting your modem to a stand-alone Ethernet router and connecting your WiFi router to that, effectively using your WiFi router as an access point.

[Evans, Marv]

I think we've had out for eleven or twelve years. I haven't even thought about replacing it.

[id10t]

I replace mine each time I get a speed bump in my service from Windstream for the actual router part.

But I only use it as a gateway to the internet, actual routing is handled by either a Pi or a 32bit media center PC both running Linux, depending on which network something is connected to in the house.

I do this for a few reasons -

1 - I can
2 - security since I don't know what crap my daughter installs on her phone and computer
3 - security since I don't know what crap my son installs on his phone and computer
4 - access control - able to block on network level via DNS for ads and places the kids shouldn't be for whatever reason
5 - bandwidth conservation/limiting so I always have enough to do whatever I need to do for work, etc.

[RNajarian]

Originally Posted by Flat Six

^^ I assume this means the hard wired Ethernet devices connected to your WiFi modem, correct?. . .

Yes that is correct

you should probably do a firmware update if available...

Firmware is up to date

If you end up replacing your WiFi router (actually, even if you don't) I'd suggest connecting your modem to a stand-alone Ethernet router and connecting your WiFi router to that, effectively using your WiFi router as an access point.

That is not my current set up. Netgear WiFi router/WiFi (one unit) plugged into Spectrum modem

I have a feeling the router crapping out since hardwired Ethernet connections are dropping connections

[cabmandone]

Have you tried a 30-30-30 hard reset?

[RNajarian]

Originally Posted by cabmando

Have you tried a 30-30-30 hard reset?

I’m going to have to look up what that is . . .

[cabmandone]

Don't know if it will fix your issue but it might be worth a try.

[RNajarian]

Thanks, I may have to give this a wangle.

It sounds like I will need to reassign the SSID and password once I do it. Better dig out the instruction manuals

[pitargue]

If one is interested in the latest faster Wi-Fi tech, then new is the only recourse since they are hardware based upgrades.

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by pitargue

If one is interested in the latest faster Wi-Fi tech, then new is the only recourse since they are hardware based upgrades.

Yea, when I went to the "Gigabit" speed I had to replace my modem and the router to get the full speed.



I never get the 1024 Mbps like they advertise, but it is still way faster than any web site I have visited. Mostly I don't care about all the download speed, and I pay for the speed only to get the 35 Mbps upload speed.

I upload 2GB files and larger to our One Drive site for our customers.

[stevej37]

Since upgrading my Comcast router/modem, I no longer need to use my wi-fi extender that I have on my outdoor deck.

New Router...

Full five bar strength with the new....2-3 with the old.

[GH85Carrera]

I live in a neighborhood with almost everyone using a WI FI router.

I have a 5Ghz and a 2.4Ghz network. Actually I have two 2.4Ghz Networks. My wife uses one, and I use the other for my phone and laptop. The 2.4 seems to go further and have a better signal in the garage for my iPad to play Pandora.

If I do a search for networks there are at least 10 if I stand in the front yard. When I got my first router it was the only one around. Now they are all over.

[RANDY P]

Consumer grade crap from Best Buy etc. are typically only good for few years. Planned obsolesce.

rjp