Do routers have a 'lifespan'?
Do routers have a 'lifespan'?
It's not that 12V power supplies are difficult to locate; rather, it's hard to determine which ones are reliable and which aren't. Even well-known brands can be counterfeit. However, you might discover older devices that have been refurbished and are now brand new, using a suitable PSU at a lower price than the PSU itself.
Visit a supplier of electronic parts such as Digikey, Mouser, Newark/Farnell, RS Components, TME.eu, and purchase a wall wart adapter that matches the correct voltage, current, and barrel jack. Yes, the power supply tends to fail first since it operates continuously and is housed in a sealed plastic case, which traps heat and can cause gradual wear—especially for certain parts like electrolytic capacitors. Sometimes flash memory issues occur, potentially corrupting firmware or the router’s code, leading to crashes. Updating or re-uploading the firmware can refresh the flash chip’s memory, restoring it to a fresh state. For reference, here’s an example from Digikey: https://www.digikey.com/short/hhtqqt7c. You can select voltage, current levels, and barrel jack dimensions—whether you prefer a detachable cable or pronged connectors. Most brands offer certifications, ensuring quality beyond generic marketplaces like eBay. Common barrel jack sizes include 2.1mm ID / 5.5mm OD (typically for up to 30-40 watts) and 2.5mm ID / 5.5mm OD (usually for 30-40W and above), where ID is the inner diameter and OD is the outer diameter.
Thanks for the advice! I went out and purchased a new router because it was the quickest and simplest solution to get the internet back up and running smoothly for everyone. I’m considering switching to a PFSense+AP or maybe just buying a solid PSU to test its performance before making any changes. If I set up a fresh system, I can repurpose my current one as a router, game server, or storage unit.
If I have to, it must be available for rent. Otherwise, I’ll rely on my own.
The only time they push it is for pre-paid plans, and the gateway is part of the service cost. Comcast has begun adding gateway rentals to their packages as well, which seems like a way to encourage people to use their own devices. Personally, I won’t buy any of their equipment—I’ve heard some basic models are poor quality. The premium options might work, but you need to upgrade to the higher-tier service to access them.