Having a router that works correctly is very important to have a good Internet connection. If it has a failure, we can find cuts, difficulty connecting many devices or even security problems. Therefore, sometimes it is convenient to change the device. Now, how long should we have the same router? In this article we are going to talk about it. We are going to explain what you should take into account to always keep the connection working at full capacity.
Something you should know is that not all routers are the same, nor do they all use the same protocols. Therefore, you could have an older model, but it works better than a more modern one with worse features. However, you can take into account, approximately, a maximum time to change devices.
When to change routers
The exact time will also depend on the type of user you are. That is, if you simply use the Internet to browse, send emails and little else, really all you need is for the router to work well. You will not need to have the latest technology, nor the maximum speed for your day to day.
Now, if you are a user who wants to take advantage of technology, who wants the latest devices they have bought (such as a mobile phone or a computer) to connect to the most current protocol and have the maximum speed, then you are going to have to change it from Occasionally. It is estimated that a router can become obsolete after 3-5 years. It doesn’t mean that it doesn’t work, but that most likely some new technology has appeared in that time.
For example, we can name some changes that have occurred in recent years such as going from Wi-Fi 5 to Wi-Fi 6, with which you will have greater coverage, stability and speed, as well as WPA-3 encryption, which It came to replace the previous one known as WPA-2. You will only take advantage of these changes if you have a current router.
What can make you want to change your router every 3-5 years? For example, if you buy a new mobile that has a current protocol with which you will have better Internet coverage, you may want to take advantage of it and change the router. Also if you are concerned about security and want to always have everything well protected.
Changing devices does not always improve the Internet
If you’re having connection problems, changing your router isn’t necessarily going to make those problems go away. It is true that a more current model can have greater coverage, speed and certain improvements, but when there are problems present, they will not always be solved by having a new device.
For example, maybe you have the router in a bad location. Although it is very good, if that area is not well used, you will not have a good connection. It may happen that there is interference, that you have large walls or walls next to it that block the signal, that there are certain materials that affect it, etc. If you have devices that use Bluetooth, when they work on the 2.4 GHz frequency they will generate interference and affect the connection regardless of whether it is a current model or not.
It could even happen that you are using an old network cable. Even if you buy the best router on the market, if you do not have a cable of at least CAT 5e, you will be limited to 100 Mbps. You will not be able to reach 1 Gbps, which is essential nowadays to take advantage of the fiber optics on the market. Therefore, even if you buy a new router, you will not improve the connection if that is not accompanied by the use of a suitable cable.
That is why, before changing your router, we recommend that you think about whether you really need it or not. It is essential that you consider what you need it for and that you check if you can improve something from the previous device. Sometimes just making a few changes or adjustments can make the connection work better. You can always see if the router is working fine.
