When you are planning to upgrade your router, then there are a few things that you would want to consider before doing that. That is what we will be reading about in today’s post. So, without wasting any more time, let us get started.
Signs that you need to upgrade to a new router
First, we need to know when to upgrade the router model. Is it not? The thing is, your router model manages all the internet connectivity in your home or office. When you use an old router unit, then it could easily slow the connection and cause potential security failures.
Here are some sure signs that you know it is time to replace your existing router model and get a new unit.
1. When your router is more than 3-5 years old
Most of the makers like Google, Netgear, and others have suggested that you upgrade your router model in 4-5 years. You do not want to use them for more years as they cause damage to your home system.
Moreover, new models come upgraded with new technology. You do not miss out on them. They come with better security features, enhancements in wireless connectivity, wireless range, and speed as well.
You can upgrade the router model as and when you want to depend on your requirements. When you are somebody who likes to make use of the latest technology, then this is your chance.
These days, some router models can help you last longer. However, they tend to lose their efficiency with heavy usage. Though you can still work with a 5-year-old router, you might want to know that it can be somewhat dangerous for your home devices.
2. You are renting a router from your ISP
You can rent the router model from the ISP if you want. However, smart people tend to get their own model from the market. That is because it helps you save money and get more features. But getting the router model from the service provider comes with its own advantages as well.
Here are the router fees:
- $5–$15/month.
- $60–$180/year.
- Up to $900 over five years.
Purchasing a TP-Link Archer AX21 has a price of $100 and can work for 5 years. So, as you can see, you are saving on money. In the above case, where you are renting out the router, you have to pay them close to $900 for five years.
Isn’t that expensive? You might not get more benefits either. You can also control your own network at home or office when you get your router model and TP-Link router setup is very easy. You can find many router models that can enhance your Wi-Fi range, and speed, provide multiple connections, and improve the security features as well.
3. Your Wi-Fi network has connection issues
The main job of a router model is to connect you to the internet efficiently. When it is not able to do it effectively, then you may want to think of getting it replaced. When you are having connectivity problems, you are going to lose your internet connection.
You are going to have challenges in connecting to the internet. A poor connection is a massive sign that your router unit is in its last stages. However, not all poor internet connections are caused due to a poor router, they can be caused due to loose cords, modem problems, and so on.
There are a host of other things that may affect the internet connection as well. But there are a few easy ways to check where your problem is. You will need to make sure that the lights on your modem or router are working properly. When they are green in color, that means, they are working fine.
4. Your Wi-Fi range and speeds are getting worse
When your Wi-Fi ranges and the speeds get worse, then you know it is time to replace the unit. You do not require to view all the signs when you start operating the router, but the slow Wi-Fi range is definitely a sign that things are about to get worse.
Any of the above are sure signs that your router needs to be replaced immediately. The router models can get damaged slowly with time, and not instantly. You do not want to make use of the model when it is only going to get worse with time.
5. Your router model is running hot
The router model does a lot of improvement for your network. When your model tends to heat up often, then it is a sign that the model is getting overworked. It is fine for the router model to become warm when it is used for a few hours.
However, when it is getting very hot, then you know it is getting overheated. Besides, some models can juggle with several devices without breaking down. Sometimes, the router model can overheat because of the poor ventilation present in the room where it is being used.
Some of the models come with vents in them. They can provide your router with adequate ventilation. You can also place them in corners where the airflow is not very good, but despite that the ventilation is fantastic.
Things to consider before upgrading your router
1. Know the right placement
The first thing to consider before upgrading your router is to know the right placement. You see, every model or router works best at a certain point inside your home or office. There could be various factors for that happening.
It depends on the model, the kind of internet package you have, and the design of your home or office. When you are unable to find the right position, then please upgrade your internet package, otherwise, there is no use getting a top-end router, as it will be in vain.
We recommend that you get a wireless router model for your home or office because it can work well. This is especially when your home or office is designed with brick walls and other large materials that weaken the signal as they travel around.
You have many rules for router placement. They are as follows:
- You have to place it next to the center of your home or office.
- Place it somewhere without too many objects or items next to it.
- Avoid placing it on the floor as it can get damaged. You can place it on the desk, your table, or next to the television if you are short on space.
- Please don’t have it next to a wall as the signal will weaken instantly.
- Avoid placing it next to kitchen appliances, and the iron box. We do not want any fire accidents.
2. Adjust the antennas
Most of the router models come with several antennas on them. Some models have 4 antennas, while some models come with 8 antennas. We would go with the 8 antennas because they can provide you with a better signal.
The new models come with better support features as well in them, so you know that the performance is going to be excellent. However, when your router model has internal antennas, then you may want to ensure that it is functioning.
Do make sure that the antennas are pointed in the right direction. Sometimes, when you point them in the wrong direction or if they were not set upright, then you may not get the internet signal as desired.
You may want to make them face outward. When you do that the radio reception gets much better when you are receiving and sending the internet signals. There are some models that have antennas that are positioned horizontally.
3. You have to change the SSID and password
This is the third thing that you have to do or consider before choosing a new router model. Sometimes, you can make use of a model that is from the same maker. For example, you can use the Amazon Eeco new model, with the same SSID and password.
However, when you are using a model from another manufacturer, then these two specifications will change. You have to change them to access the internet connection. The IP address for that would be 192.168.0.1 or something in Netgear a URL like routerlogin.com.
When you are not sure about the SSID or password, then you can get it from the manual itself. You can enter the admin password and the username when you are asked to on your router. When it is not that on the manual, then you can find it through online.
The SSID can be found on the wireless section of the admin page. You can also find it on the maintenance or administration section’s password. Changing the router’s password does not affect the password for to you connect to the internet.
4. You have to update the hardware
The next thing that you have to think about is the hardware or the firmware. When you get a new product, then you may want to know whether the device is compatible with your other devices at home.
That is the whole point because you do not want to sit with a router model that is not going to help. It is going to be a mere waste of money & time. Usually, there won’t be much of new features found on the firmware, but it is worth noting it.
But some new security features and other specifications might be provided there. Hence, you might want to ensure that the router is updated with the latest features in there so that it can provide the best internet performance.
This must happen automatically, but when it does not, then you may want to think of using the manual update instantly. You can also find the options given in the maintenance, administration, and another similar kind of labeled sections in the router settings. You have to follow the instructions on the router and go on your way.
5. Setting the Wi-Fi password
This is a common pointer that many of you might already know by now. The router models come with security features and one of them is this one. The Wi-Fi password enables you to enter the device, and then connect to the internet.
The Wi-Fi password is usually offered in the manual or the label that is stuck on the underside of the router model. The Wi-Fi password is different for each of the router models. You can make use of the previous password if you want.
But protecting the router model with a password is vital because it avoid unauthorized users from accessing your internet. You do not want that to happen, and your bandwidth to get slowed down when you are playing a game or watching a movie online as well.
Having a password also encrypts the connection that is there between the PC or laptop and the router model. This decreases the risk of the data you are receiving or sending getting intercepted by other devices.
Please make sure that the router model has a WPA2 security feature in it.
6. Can you disable the remote access?
Normally, you can disable remote access on the router model. Remote access is a feature that the network administrator can make use of to log inside the router. You can make use of the router model remotely through the internet.
This is something that you may or may not want to use. This is entirely up to you. When you are located in a rural area or remote location, then it is fine. Otherwise, we suggest that you have a router password so that your model is secure.
7. You have to choose the right channel and network mode
Choosing the right channel helps you to get the right internet speed or make the best out of your router model. You need to also keep an eye on the network mode. This is especially when you have too many router models in the same house or office.
Usually, the router model can pick up a channel that it is good at and provide you with a decent mode to communicate with your devices. They can also support several protocols, with Wi-Fi 6 being the quickest.
8. Does it come with parental control?
This is an important factor to consider especially when you have small or growing kids at home or even if you want to control things in your office. You can restrict the websites you want, and also the time that is spent online.
Most of the router models come with this feature. So, you can curb this menace pretty easily. You can also filter the unwanted content that you want on the internet, and you can adjust them accordingly.
Moreover, you can manage the controls through the smartphone itself. There is an option, where you can view what is being seen, done, and viewed on your device, through an app. However, kids or your colleagues may find other ways to bypass this method.
9. The guest browsing setting
Supposing you have guests at home often, then they might want to also use the internet, and may request you for the Wi-Fi password. But, at times, it can become uncontrollable, and they might end up with it the whole time.
This may cause your personal or professional workflow to slow down. Your browsing or downloading might take a massive hit because of the additional data that is being used by your guests.
The guest model is like a second network at home, that comes with its own SSID and password. That is why you may want to change the password of the guest model regularly so that they know you are in charge.
You can control the internet speed of your guests by guest network. When you want to provide them with more internet speed, then it is fine. But you can also give them with the right kind of internet speed when you feel your personal use or professional work is not going to be affected by it.
10. Enable quality of service
The quality of service (QoS) is more like a tool, which provides you with the applications that are vital when you want to share the right bandwidth. You can watch Netflix in 4K and have a large file that is backed in the cloud.
The Netflix video can be free from stutters, and when you are alright with the slow backup speed, then the QoS can be used to set up the bandwidth to Netflix. This feature is not present on most router models, but if it is there, then it can be useful.
11. The budget
The budget of the router is the final factor you want to consider. What is your budget or financial ability? This depends on the number of devices that you would require to connect at home or in the office.
Supposing, you have to connect 10-15 devices, then you might need a top-end router model. That might cost around $200 to $500. These models also come with incredible connectivity and security features. However, less than $100 can provide you with basic features.
Conclusion
This is it. We have come to the end of our discussion on things to consider before upgrading your router. As we read in the above post, once your model is more than 5 years, then please consider replacing it.
You are doing no favors by still using it. That is because things are only going to get worse from there. All you need to do is take some moments to set your router model, get the right position in your home or property, and make sure that the settings are done rightly.
Now, you can be sure that your router model will offer you with the right kind of signal performance that were looking for. Besides, the router can enhance your security features. When you have upgraded, please do not discard your earlier model because you have several methods to put it to good use.
Did you find the post useful? Did we miss out on something? If then, please write to us in the comments section. We will be glad to hear from you and will do our best to get back to you as soon as possible.
Yes, the good news is that upgrading your router to a new one can make a massive difference. That is because it can improve the speed of your Wi-Fi and provide you with an exceptional signal.
However, what it can’t do is increase the speed of your internet package. This is something that only you have to increase by getting another quicker plan. For example, if you are using a 100mpbs plan, then you might want to switch over to another plan.
The lifespan of a router is around 4-5 years, and not more. Though some people tend to make use of routers for more than 5 years, they may not provide them with the right kind of internet speed, and signal.
Makers like Google and Linksys suggest that you replace the model under 5 years. But Amazon says that you need to change the router in under 4 years, which is quite interesting. As you know, they own the Eero brand model, which is popularly used among the masses.
You can check the router’s health by using it in different places inside your home or the property. You can try it out inside your living room or bedroom. When it does not work somewhere, they check it out in another part of your house.
You can also try and use another router model like your friends or somebody else’s. When that can work, and yours does not, then it is confirmed that your router model has to be replaced.
When you want to have a better range, then you can make use of the 2.4GHz. This kind of model would be helpful for rural properties. When you require better speed and performance, then you can make use of the 5GHz band.
However, we would strongly recommend that you make use of the 5GHz band as it has the ability to provide you with opulent internet connectivity, and also maximize the performance of the network.
When your router is more than 5 years older, then you might surely want to think about getting it replaced. That is because, the heat caused inside it can damage the components even further, causing intermittent outages, and very slow performance.
James Smith has always been intrigued by electronic products since his childhood. After his post graduation in electronics from a popular university, he decided to pursue a career in the electronics sector. But his calling for writing about these marvellous pieces of work got the better of him. That is how UBG was started. With a writing career spanning more than 12 years, James has worked on several hundred product reviews. During his free time, he like to spend time with his pet dog and relax in the swimming pool.