Why do routers go bad? 12 most common signs that your router is going bad

By: Edon Lazaj

Routers are one of the most important pieces of technology in your home, and they often go bad without warning.

A bad router can cause all sorts of problems, from a loss of internet connection to an inability to connect to certain websites or devices.

In this artical by Edon Lazaj, you will have answers for the question why do routers go bad. You will be provided some tips to prolong its lifespan as well.

Why do routers go bad? 12 most common signs that your router is going bad
Why do routers go bad? 12 most common signs that your router is going bad

Reasons why routers go bad

Reasons why routers go bad
Reasons why routers go bad

Routers are designed to be durable and long-lasting devices. However, like any other electronic device, they can eventually fail. There are a number of reasons why this might happen, including:

Normal wear and tear

Over time, the internal components of a router can become damaged or worn down from extended use. This can eventually lead to the router malfunctioning or failing altogether.

Power surges

Sudden spikes in electrical power can damage the sensitive components inside a router, causing it to fail.

Physical damage

Physical damage
Physical damage

If a router is dropped or otherwise physically damaged, it may stop working properly.

Firmware issues

Sometimes, the software that runs on a router can become corrupted, which can cause the router to malfunction.

Next are 12 most common signs that your router is going bad. If you suspect that your router may be failing, it’s important to troubleshoot the problem as soon as possible. In some cases, you may be able to fix the issue yourself. However, if the problem persists, you may need to replace the router.

12 Symptoms of routers going bad

12 Symptoms of routers going bad
12 Symptoms of routers going bad

The router doesn’t power on.

If your router won’t turn on, it’s likely a problem with the power supply. Check to make sure that the power cord is plugged into the router and a working outlet. If the cord appears to be damaged, try using a different one. If the problem persists, the router may need to be replaced.

The router randomly reboots.

If your router keeps rebootiing on its own, there could be a problem with the firmware or hardware. Try resetting the router to factory default settings and see if that fixes the issue. If not, you may need to replace the router.

The router isn’t connecting to the internet.

There are a few possible reasons for this: the router may not be properly configured, there may be an issue with the modem or ISP, or there may be a problem with the router itself. Try troubleshooting the issue to see if you can fix it. If not, you may need to replace the router.

The router is dropping the internet connection.

The router is dropping the internet connection.
The router is dropping the internet connection.

If your router keeps losing its connection to the internet, there could be an issue with the firmware or hardware. Try resetting the router to factory default settings and see if that fixes the issue. If not, you may need to replace the router.

The router isn’t working as fast as it used to.

Over time, routers can slow down due to normal wear and tear. If your router is starting to feel sluggish, it’s probably time for an upgrade.

The router isn’t reaching the full potential of your internet connection.

If you’re not getting the full speed of your internet connection, there could be a problem with the router. Try troubleshooting the issue to see if you can fix it. If not, you may need to replace the router.

The router is overheating.

If your router is feeling warm to the touch or is shutting off due to overheating, there could be a problem with the ventilation or internals of the device. Try troubleshooting the issue to see if you can fix it. If not, you may need to replace the router.

The router is emitting strange noises.

If your router is making strange noises, it could be a sign of internal damage. Try troubleshooting the issue to see if you can fix it. If not, you may need to replace the router.

The router’s LED lights are flashing strangely.

The LED lights on a router can give you some clues about what’s going on with the device. If they’re flashing oddly, it could be a sign of a problem. Try troubleshooting the issue to see if you can fix it. If not, you may need to replace the router.

The router isn’t responding to ping requests.

If your router isn’t responding to ping requests, it could be a sign of a problem. Try troubleshooting the issue to see if you can fix it. If not, you may need to replace the router.

The web interface isn’t working properly.

If the web interface on your router isn’t working properly, it could be a sign of a problem with the firmware or hardware. Try resetting the router to factory default settings and see if that fixes the issue. If not, you may need to replace the router.

The router has physical damage.

The routers are usually strongly built and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. If you notice cracks, scratches, or other physical damage on the router, it’s probably time to replace it.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your router, it’s a good idea to troubleshoot the issue to see if you can fix it. If not, you may need to replace the router.

Tips to prolong your router’s lifespan

Tips to prolong your router's lifespan
Tips to prolong your router’s lifespan

Routers typically last anywhere from two to five years. After that, they may start to show their age, with slower speeds and less reliable connections. If you want to keep your router running for as long as possible, there are a few simple tips you can follow.

Keep the firmware up to date

Keep the firmware up to date
Keep the firmware up to date

One of the most important things you can do is keep the firmware up to date. Firmware is the software that runs on your router, and it’s what allows it to connect to the internet and provide a connection for your devices. Router manufacturers regularly release updates to improve performance, security, and compatibility. You can usually find these updates on the manufacturer’s website, and they can be installed with a few clicks.

Keep your router clean

It’s also important to keep your router clean. Over time, dust can accumulate on the vents, and this can lead to overheating. Once in awhile, it’s a good idea to take a can of compressed air and give the vents a good blast to clear out any dust.

Reboot it on a regular basis

Another thing you can do to keep your router running smoothly is to reboot it on a regular basis. Just like with your computer, a restart can clear out any glitches and help improve performance. Once a week is generally sufficient, but you may need to do it more often if you’re experiencing problems.

Choose the right router for your needs

Finally, if you want to get the most out of your router, it’s important to choose one that’s right for your needs. If you have a lot of devices that need to be connected, or if you do a lot of online gaming, streaming, or other data-intensive activities, you’ll need a more powerful router. Spending a little extra to get a router that can handle your specific needs can pay off in the long run.

By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your router has a long and healthy lifespan.

F.A.Q why do routers go bad

How long do routers usually last?

Under normal circumstances, a router should last about 5 years. However, this can vary depending on the quality of the router and how often it’s used.

How do you know when a router goes bad?

There are a few signs that a router is going bad: it’s not connecting to the internet, it’s dropping the connection, it’s not working as fast as it used to, it’s overheating, or it’s emitting strange noises.

How often do routers go bad?

Routers don’t usually go bad very often. However, over time they can slow down due to normal wear and tear. If you notice your router is starting to feel sluggish, it’s probably time for an upgrade.

Do routers fail over time?

Routers can fail over time due to normal wear and tear. If you notice your router is starting to feel sluggish, it’s probably time for an upgrade.

Conclusion

Router manufacturers often tout the life of their products as being around 10 years. However, in our experience, this is not always the case. In fact, many routers only last a couple of years before needing to be replaced. There are several reasons for this, but one of the most common is that people do not properly maintain them. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure your router lasts as long as possible. Have you had issues with your router going bad? Let us know in the comments below.

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