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Wi-Fi routers have a limited lifespan. Whether through general wear and tear or falling behind on the latest Wi-Fi standards, Wi-Fi routers do need upgrading periodically.
The big question is, “When?” How do you know when to upgrade your router?
How Long Does a Router Last?
There is no specific length of time a router will last; your router doesn’t have an expiry date. However, it is generally accepted that a standard Wi-Fi router will last between five and ten years.
As with all technology, numerous factors affect the lifespan of a router, such as how well it is looked after and maintained, where it is kept, its workload, and more.
Another mitigating factor is age itself and whether your router works with thelatest Wi-Fi standardsused by your other devices. It’s no use buying the latest and greatest laptop with Wi-Fi 6E technology if your Wi-Fi router is stuck using Wi-Fi 5. It simply won’t be able to deliver the Wi-Fi speeds you expect.
In addition, age itself typically means dirt and dust. You can have a perfectly clean house (or other local environment), but over the years, dust will find its way into your router and begin slowly degrading your router hardware. Unlike most other computer hardware, a Wi-Fi router isn’t on most folks' “take apart and spring clean” list.
When Should You Upgrade Your Router?
There are a few clear signs that you should upgrade your router, along with the aforementioned rough time frame a router is expected to last. You should consider upgrading your router if:
There is another consideration for upgrading your router that isn’t so specifically related to age, and that’s toreplace your ISP’s router. Switching from an ISP router to a store bought or brand-name router (like Linksys, Netgear, Asus, etc.) comes with a host of benefits, not least that you specifically own the hardware you buy and have complete control over it.
Asus RT-AX57
Should You Upgrade Your Router When New Wi-Fi Standards Launch?
In a word, no. At least, not immediately, and there are a few reasons for this.
First, when a new Wi-Fi standard launches, it takes years for it to reach production. For example, Wi-Fi 6E launched in 2020, but it took until 2022 for most manufacturers (routers and other hardware) to start using the standard. When Wi-Fi 7 launches (expected 2024), it’ll take at least one year for devices to start using the new standard, so there isn’t an automatic rush to upgrade.
5 Reasons to Upgrade Your Old Router
Now, despite what was just said, getting rid of your old router in favor of a shiny new one to use the latest Wi-Fi standard is a good reason to upgrade. It’s just that you don’t have to do it immediately. But if you’re using an old router that doesn’t even use the current standard, you’ll want to upgrade. For example, if your router is only able to use Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), upgrading to a router using Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax-2021) is worthwhile.
But there are some other reasons you’ll want to upgrade your router.
Even though routers last for up to ten years, there are some good reasons why you should upgrade your router in the interim. Just be sure to consider your current and future needs before ditching your old router.
