Replace router? Maybe

Slow connection? Flaky connection? Dropped connection?

There are plenty of reasons for this to happen, but one of the usual suspects is your router.

What is a router?

A router is a power tool with a shaped cutter, used in carpentry for making grooves for joints, decorative mouldings, etc.. But that’s not the kind of router we’re talking about. I don’t know anything about THAT kind of router. 

The kind of router we’re talking about is a device that links computers and tablets, printers, and sometimes phones and televisions, to each other, and directs traffic so that more than one of those things can connect to the Internet from your house at the same time.

Routers and modems are not the same thing. A modem connects your computer or your router to the Internet. Sometimes you’ll find one piece of gear that contains both a modem and a router, and sometimes you’ll have both a modem and a router.

And like most electronic devices, routers wear out and routers become obsolete. If you’re having trouble with your Internet connection, it might be time to replace your router.

How do I know?

If your Internet connection is unbearably slow, it could be a problem with . . .  your Internet connection. So don’t run out and buy a router until you read at least to the end of this paragraph. 

If your connection is slow, call your Internet Service Provider and tell them your connection is slow. Let them do the troubleshooting. The problem may well be with their equipment, in which case it’s their problem to solve, not yours. It’s possible that your ISP is providing your router now, so it shouldn’t cost you anything for them to replace it with a nicer one that is newer and works better. You’re off the hook.

If it doesn’t seem to be a problem with your ISP, then it’s time to look at the router. 

 

Ask yourself ~

How old is my router?

If the answer is “at least five years old”, or “we brought it from the old house in 1996”, you need to replace your router. Why? Because standards change, and new standards mean faster speeds and more reliable connections.

Am I connecting more devices now than I used to?

It’s more common now to connect a couple of computers, a tablet, a couple of phones, and maybe a TV to the Internet. You need a router with a more modern way of handling all that traffic.

Do I have to keep rebooting the router?

If you’re having to reboot the router more than once in awhile, you need to ask your ISP to check your connection. If they can’t find the problem, replace your router or get one from your ISP.

Is connecting to the Internet unbearably slow?

Again, have your ISP check the connection. Also, make sure your computer is completely free of malicious software. If you can rule those out as causes, you should look at replacing your router.

Are there dead spots in Wi-Fi coverage?

There are plenty of other causes for dead spots, but replacing your old router with a new one that provides a larger coverage area *might* make a difference.

 

Okay, okay. How do I do this?

Check with your ISP to see if they’ll provide you with a router that meets your needs. Be ready to explain what those needs are. “I only ever use my computer to play Pogo in the living room” or “I have a computer, an iPad, and I want to stream Netflix to the TV downstairs”.

If your needs are simple and the price is right, you can get a decent router from your ISP, and they might come and set things up for you. Or they might not.

If you have a lot of devices and they’re all over the place, you might want to buy and set up your own router. Read the back of the box. Understand what speeds and coverage you can expect, and get a router that meets or exceeds your current requirements. Read consumer reviews of routers that interest you, if you don’t trust the sales person - or yourself.

Now what?

Next week I’ll show you what you need to do when you bring home your shiny new router to make it work well, and to keep you safe.

Comments and suggestions: [email protected]

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.