Do routers have a 'lifespan'?
Do routers have a 'lifespan'?
Hey there, I'm trying to figure this out. My home network keeps acting up—dropouts, slow speeds, high ping, and packet loss. Sometimes I connect directly to the Ethernet cable instead of using the router, and everything works fine. The router seems to last a while, but eventually it fails again. I've changed it a few times, and it still doesn't seem to be the same. My home has clean power, and the router's location has shifted over time, so it's not on the same circuit. I'm wondering if routers naturally have a limited lifespan or if I'm just seeing things.
Electronics usually have a limited lifespan, and cheaper models often don’t hold up well. I’ve seen several router brands fail quickly or overheat, and capacitors sometimes show quality problems. It looks like multiple factors are involved. Are the rooms humid or exposed to anything that might affect performance? Also, vaping or smoking could play a role.
I generally use Asus devices, but the options range from budget models to around $200. I suspect I once had a Linksys or Netgear unit that didn’t work well either. The rooms stay dry and there’s no smoking or vaping in the house. Central air and heating keep temperatures stable. I’m aware electronics wear out over time, but having five routers last ten years feels unusual to me. This also covers whether ISP differences matter.
Only my experience with the ASUS RT-AC56U matters, but it’s been reliable since 2017. It seems there might be more affordable options available. Just a few months ago I received another security patch, which extended its lifespan significantly, and it was only about £70.
In the long run, consider setting up a budget PF Sense or comparable router and source APs from companies like Ubiquiti or Rukus that cater to enterprise clients rather than small home setups for lasting solutions.
I've experienced the same problems with every router I've owned, and it always turned up a failing power supply. My current Netgear router uses an Eaton UPS and has worked well for years. I'm not sure if weak power supplies are the cause, but testing it with a multimeter would be interesting. In fact, a Motorola Arris modem I had recently replaced had all its capacitors fail because of a bad power brick. It seems these components might be made with lower quality standards.
That's a valid observation! A malfunctioning power source would definitely disrupt any device connected to it. It used to be simple—just head to a nearby Radio Shack and get a replacement easily. Nowadays, finding a reliable alternative online can be a challenge.
Most routers I’ve observed operate at 12V with fluctuating amperage and use the identical barrel connector. The key factors for power supply connection are: exact voltage, sufficient amperage (higher is acceptable), connector size, whether the center pin is positive or negative, and a clear diagram showing this information. To avoid issues from local power variations affecting even reliable supplies, consider a UPS with AVR technology and a solid surge protection rating. Alternatively, use a dedicated surge protector before or after the UPS. Any separate switches or APs should also follow this setup—ethernet cables aren’t typically affected by voltage spikes but remain ground-referenced.