How to know if you need to replace your router?

If you feel that your router seems to slow down or you even experienced regular timeouts of your internet connection, you better think of replacing it.

Slow or unstable internet speed maybe caused by your ISP’s maintenance services, broken or damage lines (phone or cable), slow computers, or even wrong networking configurations. However if you think none of those aforementioned causes trigger your connection problem, it is the time that you examine your router.


We don’t want to replace a router prematurely because it will cost us some bucks too. But if your router is more than 4-5 years old already, this is the best time that you consider having a new one.

Why do you need to replace your router in that time limit?

1. This is because it is already overused. Like any other computer accessories and hardware, your router is subject to overheating. Your router is actually getting hotter as it is used and in a long period of time, some internal parts may be damaged. Although the best way to cool down your router is to put inside an air-conditioned room or just simply face it to a fan, replacing it for a new one is the best remedy.

2. Almost every year, there are new models of routers coming out of the market equipped with new and improved features. Imagine your 4 year –old router against the latest version in catering the needs of today’s networking; the latter is obviously in advantage. Your old router may not support 802.11n WiFi technology or if it could, you still need the models made from 2009 to present for the needed updates.

3. Your router may not have dual-band wireless capability. Your wireless phone or other appliances at home maybe working on a 2.4GHz wireless band as your router, and interference from them can slowdown or shutdown your connection.

If the router is not yet old…

If your router is young enough and yet you still experienced connectivity problems, you might check if your router is really functioning well.

1. Smell it if it smells toasted or not, if it smells toasted, you need to replace it right away. It might be caused by an electrical problem or by lightning. If it doesn’t smells like that, proceed to number 2.

2. Check the proper LED lights when plugging and connecting it. The signals should be correct with proper connection and if not, consider replacing your router. Abnormal displays are also caused by electrical problems and lightning.

There are troubleshooting guides that you can read if your router is not functioning well and you don’t experienced the symptoms listed above.

If your router is still under the Warranty period, contact your distributor for a replacement or a checkup. They might also offer advises for you with regards to handling your router.

If your router is really old, you should really do the move now. There are router shops that offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. You should grab this kind of opportunity to test their new router if there are positive changes, if not choose return their product and find another one until you are satisfied.

For ordinary home use, we suggest having the 802.11n routers.