When Should You Upgrade Your Wi-Fi Router?

Knowing when to upgrade your home network’s router can be challenging, especially with the rapid evolution of Wi-Fi technology. While the “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it” approach might seem sensible, using outdated equipment could be limiting your network’s potential.

Here are the key signs that indicate it’s time for an upgrade:

1. Age of Your Router and Standards

Your router needs an upgrade if it’s more than 5 years old or running on outdated standards. If you’re still using Wi-Fi 4 (802.11g) or earlier, it’s definitely time for a change. Modern Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) routers offer significantly better performance, security, and device handling capabilities.

2. Performance Issues

Consider upgrading when you experience:

• Frequent disconnections or dead zones in your home
• Slow speeds despite having a fast internet plan
• Buffering during streaming or video calls
• Lag during online gaming
• Router needs frequent rebooting to function properly

3. Number of Connected Devices

Upgrade when your household has significantly increased its connected devices. Older routers struggle to efficiently manage multiple connections, leading to poor performance. Modern routers, especially Wi-Fi 6 models, are designed to handle numerous devices simultaneously, from smartphones and laptops to smart home devices.

4. Security Concerns

It’s time for an upgrade if your router:

• Only supports older security protocols like WEP or WPA
• No longer receives firmware updates
• Lacks modern security features like WPA3
• Doesn’t offer advanced security features like built-in VPN support or malware protection

5. New Internet Speed Plan

If you’ve upgraded to a faster internet plan (especially gigabit speeds), your old router might be bottlenecking your connection. Newer routers can better handle high-speed connections and provide features like multi-gig ports and improved throughput.

6. Coverage Requirements

Consider upgrading when:

• You’ve moved to a larger home
• Added rooms or floors that need coverage
• Experiencing weak signals in certain areas
• Need to extend WiFi to outdoor space

Future-Proofing and Considerations

With Wi-Fi 7 on the horizon, consider it when purchasing a new router, though it’s not essential for most current users:

• Wi-Fi 5 upgrade is essential if you’re still on Wi-Fi 4
• Wi-Fi 6 is recommended for gigabit internet connections
• Consider your household’s needs and internet speed before upgrading
• Security features like WPA3 are crucial for modern network protection
• Balance cost against features when choosing a new router

While upgrading might seem daunting, especially for families relying heavily on internet connectivity, staying current with standards ensures optimal performance and security. However, not every new standard requires an immediate upgrade – assess your specific needs and current internet speed before making a decision.