Imagine this: You're in the middle of an important video call, and suddenly, your connection drops. Or perhaps you're trying to binge-watch the latest series, but the buffering never seems to end. Slow internet can be frustrating, but the good news is, it might not be your service provider's fault. Sometimes, the culprit is sitting right in your living room: your router.

 

 

In this article, we'll uncover the top signs that it's time to bid farewell to slow internet and upgrade your router for a smoother, faster online experience.

 

Meet your router: The heart of your home network

 

A router is a device that connects your devices to the internet and each other and typically distributes that connection wirelessly throughout your home.

 

Your router ensures that each device gets the necessary data packets to function properly. It manages your local network to prevent congestion and ensure smooth operation, allowing devices to communicate with one another. The security of your network also depends on your router, as it has built-in security features that protect your network from external threats.

 

Learn more about routers.

 

Top signs it's time for a router upgrade

1. Your router is outdated.

 

How many years have you had your router? If you have had it for years and feel like it is older than dirt, then it is the best time to upgrade.

 

As technology advances, so do the demands on our home networks. An aging or outdated router might struggle to keep up with the demands of your home network, leading to frustratingly slow internet speeds and frequent connectivity issues and leaving your network vulnerable.

 

Your router is officially considered outdated when it stops receiving firmware updates. This poses a security risk because the manufacturer is no longer fixing vulnerabilities in the software.

 

2. Frequent connectivity issues

 

If you're frequently dealing with dropping connections or slow speeds despite having a reliable internet service provider (ISP), and your connection should be fast and stable, your router might be to blame.

 

Imagine you’re working from home, and in the middle of the meeting, your connection drops. After checking with your ISP, you confirm that their service is functioning correctly. This could be a sign that your router needs an upgrade.

 

3. New client devices are experiencing difficulty connecting to your WiFi

 

If your router is several years old, it might not support the latest WiFi standards, causing newer devices to struggle to connect to your network. Routers that predate WiFi 6 may not be compatible with newer devices or may not fully support their features. If this is the case, it's time to upgrade your router.

 

4. Dead zones or slow performance in parts of your home

 

Older routers often have shorter wireless coverage, resulting in weak WiFi signals in certain areas of your home. This can be particularly frustrating if you experience dead zones in rooms where you need a reliable connection. Instead of buying a signal extender, consider upgrading your router to one with a better WiFi range.

 

5. Physical damage

 

Visible damage or wear on your router can affect its performance.

 

If your router feels extremely hot, it could be a sign that it's about to fail due to overheating components. This can happen if the router is defective, has worn-out parts, can't handle your household's load, or lacks proper ventilation. This might indicate that it's time to replace your router.

 

Is your router holding you back? Here’s what to check

Choosing the Right Router

 

• Number of bands: Ensure the router supports 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. For the latest devices, look for tri-band routers that include the 6 GHz band (Wi-Fi® 6E or Wi-Fi 7).
• WiFi standard: Look for routers that support the latest WiFi standards, such as Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi 6, or Wi-Fi 6E, for better speed, efficiency, and capacity.
• Router speed: Check the maximum speed the router can handle. This is usually indicated in Mbps or Gbps. Higher speeds are better for streaming, gaming, and handling multiple devices.
• WiFi range: Consider the coverage area of the router. Larger homes may require routers with a longer range.
• Security features: Look for routers with robust security protocols like SPI firewall, automatic security updates, secure admin passwords, and WPA3/WPA2 security to protect your network. A router with parental control features helps protect your children from harmful content and online threats.
• Multiple ethernet ports: It's good to have your router have enough ethernet ports for wired connections, which can provide more stable and faster internet for wired devices.
• Quality of Service (QoS): This feature allows you to prioritize bandwidth for specific devices or applications, ensuring smoother performance for critical tasks.
• Easy setup and management: Look for routers with easy setup processes and user-friendly interfaces to manage your network efficiently.