Home Networks & Wi-Fi · Inside Your Router · Lesson 4 of 5

When to Replace Your Router

Know when an old router has to go, and what to look for in a new one.

Signs it is time

Routers don't last forever. The box may still blink, but that doesn't mean it is still safe. Here are the signs it is time for a new one.

• End of support. Find the model number on the sticker. Look it up on the maker's website. If it says end of life or no longer supported, it will never get security fixes again. Replace it.
• No updates in years. Check the firmware version and date in the admin page. If the last update was years ago, the maker may have moved on.
• Old Wi-Fi security. WPA2 and WPA3 are the locks that scramble your Wi-Fi so others can't read it. A router that can't do at least WPA2 is far too old.
• Age. If your router is more than about five years old, check its support status.
• Trouble. It drops the connection, needs restarting often, or can't keep up with newer devices.

Many people don't own their router at all. Internet companies often rent you a gateway. A gateway is one box that is a modem and a router together. You usually pay a monthly fee for it.

A rented gateway has a plus side. The internet company normally updates it for you and replaces it when it gets too old. If yours looks very old, call and ask for a newer model. Many companies swap it at no extra cost.

You can also buy your own router or gateway. That can save the rental fee. Check your internet company's list of approved models first. Then you are in charge of its updates.

Choosing a new router

Shopping for a router can feel confusing. The boxes are full of big numbers. Focus on these few things instead.

• WPA3 support. WPA3 is the newest Wi-Fi security. Most routers sold as Wi-Fi 6 or newer have it.
• Wi-Fi 6 or newer. Wi-Fi 6, 6E and 7 are the newer versions of Wi-Fi. They are faster and handle many devices at once.
• Automatic firmware updates. The router should be able to update itself, so you don't have to remember.
• A clear support period. Good makers say how long a model will get security updates. Look on the box or the maker's website. A longer support period means a longer safe life.
• An easy app. A simple app makes setup and checking the devices list much easier.

Have a big home or dead spots? Look at a mesh system. That is two or three small units placed around the home that work together as one Wi-Fi network.

When the new router arrives, set it up safely:

1. Change the admin password, or protect the app account with two-step verification.
2. Choose WPA3, or the WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode if some older devices can't connect.
3. Set a long Wi-Fi passphrase.
4. Turn on automatic updates.

Before you get rid of the old router, reset it to factory settings. That erases your Wi-Fi name and password from it. Then take it to an electronics recycling spot instead of the trash.