The router is the main connection pathway for your house. It helps connect the whole home and access the Wi-Fi feature. There are many companies that don’t charge fees for the equipment that comes with installation, but that is if you purchase a complete plan. If you are currently using AT&T (https://www.buytvinternetphone.com/att/customer-service) but you have an outdated router from a third-party provider, you should consider upgrading it. Some ISPs offer a free router with their internet plans. You can contact your respective ISP to ask if the router is included beforehand.
Take These Signs as a Warning for Bad Router
The router is an essential piece of equipment. You need a good, updated version of the router so that your internet doesn’t face connectivity or other issues. Moreover, if your router is outdated, it can also negatively affect Wi-Fi, cause disruptions for all users, and may risk your security. So, it is important that your router remains in good shape. However, before ensuring that, you need to identify if your router needs repairing or changing altogether. For that, we have prepared this list that will help you understand just that.
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Your Router Is Outdated
The machine is more or less similar to human beings. The difference is that it reaches its limit much early in life. It is so because technology changes at a quick pace, and things periodically run out of life, and for good reasons. For example, the new and improved router models bring mass changes to wireless speeds, network range, efficiency, and security.
Considering routers, five years are more than enough life. After that, it is good to change your router and buy a new one, even if the old one is not showing signs of old age. It is a good way to keep up with technology. Some people even like to keep up with the latest tech in the market and buy the new model as soon as it comes out.
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Your Router Is Rented
Nowadays, many ISPs provide routers for rent during line installation. It is really helpful in some cases, but buying your own is preferred. Since the router costs rent fees that add up to your monthly billing, buying your own will save money going forward and give you more free control of the equipment.
If you do the math, if a router costs $10 per month on rent, that means it is $120 for a year and $600 over five years. On the other hand, getting a good router like one from Netgear or TP-link will fall somewhere around $100 and last for years – saving you a lot of extra money.
Moreover, if you own the router, you will have more control over its settings and features, including security, Wi-Fi boosting, and many others.
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Wi-Fi Has Connectivity Issues
All that the router at your home or office has to do is to connect you to the internet. But if it is causing issues and not doing the one thing it’s supposed to do; then its days are numbered. Some of the connectivity issues include having limited or no internet connection, failing to connect to the internet, or weak signals. All of these signs indicate that it is time to buy a new router.
However, not all connectivity issues mean faulty routers. It may also be due to loose cables or cords, power outages, bad connections from ISP, or modem issues. These and a few others can also disrupt your internet connection. So, it is better to first identify the root cause of the problem before reaching a conclusion.
Before calling your ISP’s hotline, check if your router has green lights and working optimally. If yes, it means the disconnection is due to other issues, and you should run a speed test to analyze your connection.
Another thing that indicates a dying router is low Wi-Fi speeds and range. If you are not getting the same speed as you were a few months earlier, or if you can no longer connect your Wi-Fi outside your house, it means you need to replace your router.
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Router Is Getting Hot
Routers have a lot of work to do, apart from being switched on forever. During this, it is normal for your router to get a little warm but not burning hot. If it is getting too hot, it’s getting overworked. It also indicates that your router is an older version which was not strong enough to sustain higher-than-usual loads. These signs mean that your router cannot handle the pressure of a multitude of devices you have connected, and it will give up anytime soon. At this point, it would help if you shift your router’s location to see if it resolves the overheating issue. If not, then you have to buy a new router.
Moreover, router overheating can also be a sign of poor ventilation. Although routers have vents to blow out heat and let cool air in, they don’t have high-end water cooling systems. So, it is better to keep routers in a well-open space with frequent air. If you keep it in a closed environment for a long time, it will give out much earlier than expected.
Conclusion
The signs that we mentioned above clearly point towards a faulty router and demand something to be done before they die out. However, if nothing seems wrong but your connection is still choppy, ask your service provider if it’s an issue from their end. If not, it is likely because your router is getting too old or outdated, and the only options are to update it or buy a new one. Yet, before purchasing a new router, it is essential to contact your service provider first. This is because most ISPs provide necessary equipment with their bundled packages without charging anything extra. In case, you recently bought a new router and still you are facing connectivity issues, consider giving AT&T internet a shot!
It is a decent option to go for if you are purchasing network connections for your whole house, including television sets, android boxes, Wi-Fi, landline phones, and internet service.
Still, it is better to purchase your own router from a trusted vendor, as it brings more than one benefit. It gives you control over many things, including security, and we all know how essential it is to have top-level security and privacy above everything.
References:
https://www.highspeedinternet.com/resources/signs-you-need-a-new-router
https://networkshardware.com/how-often-should-you-replace-your-router/