Do you need to upgrade your router? (7 must know signs)

Frequent disconnections indicate that your router struggles to maintain a stable connection. Common signs you need a new router include devices repeatedly disconnecting from the network, WiFi inaccessibility requiring a router restart or specific devices experiencing more connection drops than others.

An old router can cause frequent disconnections due to several reasons:

• • Older routers may not support the latest WiFi standards, causing compatibility issues with new devices and leading to frequent disconnections.
  • Outdated routers may be unable to handle multiple devices running bandwidth-heavy tasks. Multiple connected devices lead to congestion and bandwidth strain, which can result in disconnections.
  • Faulty or damaged router components in old routers can lead to malfunctions or failure to connect to the internet entirely.
  • Old routers can experience overheating over time. Overheating leads to malfunctions, causing the routers to disconnect or turn off completely.

WiFi standards define the protocols and capabilities of wireless network devices. These standards have evolved significantly, with newer standards offering better speeds, range and security.

The most common WiFi standards include:

• • 802.11n (WiFi 4): This standard was released in 2009. It supports up to 600 Mbps and operates on the 2.4 and 5 GHz frequency bands.
  • 802.11ac (WiFi 5): This standard was released in 2014. It supports up to 3.5 Gbps and operates on the 5 GHz band.
  • 802.11ax (WiFi 6): This widely adopted standard was released in 2019 and supports up to 9.6 Gbps.
  • 802.11be (WiFi 7): This technology was released in early 2024. It operates on a tri-band frequency (2.4, 5 and 6 GHz) and has the potential to offer significantly faster speeds, up to 46 Gbps and lower latency.

You can check if your router uses outdated technology by looking at the router’s specifications on the manufacturer’s website or the label on the device itself. You can also log in to the router’s admin interface to access information on the WiFi standard it supports.

New devices often have built-in advanced features to improve internet performance, including support for the latest WiFi standards. However, older routers may not support the new WiFi standards and technologies, resulting in potential compatibility issues.

Some of the compatibility issues you may experience due to an old router include:

• • Devices that cannot connect to the router because the devices use newer WiFi standards that the old router does not support.
  • Limited speeds because the router doesn’t support high-speed tiers.
  • An inability to use multiple devices running bandwidth-intensive applications, such as 4K streaming and online gaming due to an old router’s limited bandwidth capacity.
  • Frequent disconnections that require manual rebooting of the router and devices.

Here’s how to check if your router is compatible with your new devices:

• • Check your router’s specifications to see if it supports the latest WiFi standards and compare them to the new devices’ network specifications.
  • Ensure your router supports WPA2 or WPA3 security protocols, which modern devices support for secure WiFi connections.
  • Perform a connectivity test by connecting the device to the router and monitoring the connection’s stability, range and speed.

Limited range and coverage can be a sign of an outdated router.

Here are some signs of limited range and coverage:

• • If you notice a decrease in speed or connection consistency as you slowly move away from the router, it has weak WiFi signals that result in a limited range.
  • Dead zones where WiFi coverage is weak or nonexistent despite being within the expected WiFi range.
  • Signal fluctuations from one room to another, even though they are at a similar distance from the router. The fluctuations are a clear indication of a limited range.

Newer routers have several advancements that improve coverage and range.

These advancements include:

• • Advanced antenna technology that optimizes WiFi signal distribution over longer distances and through obstacles.
  • Support for dual-band or tri-band frequencies that reduce congestion and improve coverage in environments with multiple devices.
  • Beamforming technology that directs WiFi signals toward connected devices for improved range and stability instead of broadcasting technology.
  • Modern router models support mesh networks, which utilize multiple nodes to create seamless coverage across larger areas and eliminate dead zones.

Learn more: Mesh WiFi router vs traditional router: Which is the best for you?

Overheating can lead to performance issues and affect the lifespan of a router. Common signs of overheating include:

• • Excessively hot or warm feeling when you touch the router.
  • Random router reboots.
  • A distinct smell of burning plastic or metal casing.
  • Some routers flash a red light to indicate overheating.

Overheating can result from several factors, including:

• • Poor ventilation from cramped spaces that restrict airflow, leading to heat buildup.
  • Accumulated dust blocks vents and fans that are responsible for cooling the internal components.

Prolonged overheating significantly degrades router performance and lifespan by causing issues such as:

• • Component failure that occurs when critical components, such as the CPU and network adapters, degrade and fail.
  • Reduced performance due to slower data transmission and network instability.
  • Shorter lifespan due to continuous exposure to high temperatures that destroy internal components.

Routers experience wear and tear over time, which can affect their functionality. Consider the following signs when checking for physical wear and tear on your router:

• • External damage, such as scratches, damaged antennas, cracks and worn-out or missing buttons, indicates rough handling or accidents.
  • Extra noise, overheating or malfunctions that can indicate internal parts like hinges, fans, or network adapters have worn down.
  • Cables that don’t fit securely into ports and sockets, which can happen after frequent cable plugging and unplugging.
  • Fading and discoloration of coatings
  • Worn-out labels that are illegible.

Physical damage to a router can directly impact the performance and reliability of your home network in several ways. These ways include:

• • Reduced WiFi range and coverage caused by poor signal reception and transmission due to damaged antennas.
  • Frequent disconnections due to damaged ports cables don’t fit into securely.
  • Overheating from broken vents and fans, which further damages internal parts and reduces the router’s lifespan.
  • Total router failure caused by continuous damage to critical internal components.

Regularly examining your router for these indicators of wear and tear can help you determine if maintenance or a full router replacement is required.

Recognizing that it is time to upgrade your router is important to maintaining a fast, stable and secure internet connection. If you notice slow internet speeds, frequent disconnections, incompatibility with new devices or limited range in your current router, then it may be time to consider upgrading to a new one.

A new router can provide faster speeds, broader coverage, enhanced security features and compatibility with modern devices, ensuring you get the most out of your internet service. Don’t allow an older router to prevent you from experiencing the best internet speeds and a high-performing home network.