5 Signs That You Need a New Wi-Fi Router

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5 Signs That You Need a New Wi-Fi Router

It's easy to treat your Wi-Fi router like an appliance, just running it until it eventually dies and you need to replace it. Here are some signs that your router is due for an upgrade.

Here are some signs that you may need to upgrade your Wi-Fi router:

  1. Slow Internet Speeds: If you're experiencing slow internet speeds, even when you're close to the router, it may be time to upgrade. The latest Wi-Fi routers have faster speeds and better ranges, which can help improve your internet speeds.
  • You pay good money to your Internet Service Provider (ISP) monthly, so you want to ensure you get the most value for your money.
  • If you are paying for a fast broadband connection, but every time you run a speed test, you only get a fraction of that speed, consider your router a potential culprit in the slowdown.
  • Inadequate Coverage: If you're struggling to get a Wi-Fi signal in certain areas of your home/business, it may be because your router's range needs to be increased. Upgrading to a router with a better range can eliminate dead spots and provide a stronger signal throughout your home/business.
    • A reliable connection is crucial for many aspects of people's daily lives, from work to entertainment.
    • Using Wi-Fi analyzing tools is one of the best ways to diagnose, optimize performance and troubleshoot connectivity issues.
    • Some popular options are Wi-Fi Analyzer for Windows, iNet Network Scanner for iOS and WiFi Analyzer for Android.
  • Old Technology: If your router is over five years old, it may not support the latest Wi-Fi standards. Upgrading to a newer router can give you access to faster speeds, better security, and other features that may not be available on older routers.
    • Check when the router model was released by the manufacturer, not when you purchased it, and if it was more than five years ago, you are missing out on many technological enhancements.
  • More Devices: If you've recently added more devices to your home/business, such as smart home devices, gaming consoles, or streaming devices, your current router may not be able to handle the increased traffic.
    • The latest Wi-Fi technology (Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and Wi-Fi 7) optimizes Wi-Fi connectivity in modern high-density environments. Upgrading your old Wi-Fi 4 or Wi-Fi 5 router with more bandwidth and processing power can help ensure all your devices run smoothly.
  • Security Concerns: If your router isn't up-to-date with the latest security patches or doesn't support the latest security protocols, such as WPA3, your network may be at risk of being hacked. Upgrading to a newer router with better security features can help protect your network from potential security threats.
    • Once a router no longer receives regular updates, it's effectively dead to the manufacturer, and you should consider replacing it. Stability and network security are too important to leave in the hands of antiquated hardware.

    Overall, if you're experiencing any of these issues, it may be time to consider upgrading your Wi-Fi stance. A newer router can provide faster speeds, better coverage, and more features that can help improve your overall Wi-Fi experience. Contact your internet service provider or router manufacturer for further assistance.