As router age, does its wireless capability diminish?

Hey all,

I currently own the Netgear WGR614 ver4 router (silver and black).

I've been using that router for over 5 years now. Lately, there has been noticeable lag with its wireless connection. It happens to all laptops that connect to it. Furthermore, the router's speed is fine when I connect via ethernet. Also, I've just swapped the router with a Westell Versalink and it's wireless connect is great!

So my question now is, is this a sign that I need to replace my old Netgear router with a new one? Keep in mind, my router is on 24/7/365. I never turn it off except to reboot it (rarely).

Also, I find this router's range to be acceptable. But as I move into my new home, (2 stories---> 3, if I include the basement), I'm concerned about range and signal penetration. I plan on keeping the old Netgear as a wired router, but when I get a new router as a AP, does more bandwidth = more speed and more coverage? Or should I look at those MIMO-based routers?

Thanks for reading this lengthy post!

 

Yes, after 4 years my Linkysys's wireless connection would CONSTANTLY drop in and out, go from excellent to no connection, and I bought a new router and it now works flawlessly.

 

I do not believe so if you take care of your router.

You cannot base it on one persons experience to immediately say "yes".

 

from my experiences the answer seems to be a definate maybe. I have had them do just that when simply sitting on a well ventilated shelf for as short as 13-15 months and have also had them run forever w/o any degredation in signal. I suspect it is heat related issue. If your router tends to run hot then likely it will have a much shorter lifespan. Also the condition incoming power can take it's toll on any electrical device. So, I would say a definite maybe...if you are having problems out of the blue grab a new router and see what happens. Worst case you end up with a back up router that you might be able to use as an access point to extend your wifi setup range.

 

Also from my experience I have to say, without definite proof, that there was a decrease in wireless capability as the router got older.

I too would get lower signal strengths, dropped connections, and random stuff like that.

 

just wondering, are there more wireless networks in the area now than when you purchased the router?

interference could cause similar symptoms as well as occasional drops.

 

There isn't a significant increase. I'd say about 2-3 more routers in the vicinity. When I try and detect it, signals weren't all that strong.

Considering the possibility of interference, I tried changing the channels, but that didn't help.

However, like I said, now that I'm using the Versalink (from Verizon DSL), I'm definitely getting superb wireless speed.

 

Also I think you have to account for cell phones (microwaves?).

I know when I'm about to get a phone call I'll actually hear my speakers start to crackle and pop (mmm).

 

I generally buy SMB equipment and have never noticed any slow down. But it is possiable with wireless and wired if it's over heating you will notice slower speeds. It doesn't hurt to blow the dust out of them. And the radios generally run hot. I alway adjust the power setting to a minimum I need to cover my needs. Causes less problems with neighbors and the unit will run cooler.

 

I have been running a Linksys WRT54GS for almost over two years now with any problems whatsoever.

None, zip, zippo, nada, I have never lost my connection to my laptop while in my house.

Amazing eh?

 

That IS very amazing. most routers drop wireless conections every so often (whether itd be one a year...or once a day)

 

I had bought it for my PSP (Play Station Portable) but never used it much so I sold it and then bought my S96J in June 2006.

I have been using the wireless ever since without a single connection loss. At least nothing I can recall.

I guess my Linksys WRT54GS and Intel 3945 A/B/G love each other.

 

My 5 year old (wow, 5 years already?) Microsoft Wireless 802.1b router works just fine. But lately, it gets a little temperamental with dropping signals occasionally.

 

My WRT54G rev 4 router is a couple-three years old too and it also never drops my connection. I have systems connected and running 24/7...weird as I would assume it would need resetting now and then but danged if I have yet to need to reset the thing. Which means it will likely croak in a ball of fire when it dies...

 

I've used a D-Link DI-614+ .b router for about 4 years now, and lately it started dropping the connection more often (about 3 times a day). I checked the wireless networks in the area, and right now there are more than 7! That is a lot considering back when I bought the router it was only mine. So I checked which channels the others were using, and since none were using 2, I set my router up with that one, and problem solved. Back to the way it used to be.

 

I'm not sure if it is my Linksys router or my cable modem, but it seems that my connection has been going off a bit lately. I would have to pull the power out of both devices to reset it so I can get back onto the internet. This happens both on the laptop and my desktop. Is there a way to see which device is screwing up? Thanks!

 

Does it only happen with a wireless connection? If that is the case, it is more than likely your router. If you LAN seems to lose connection, then I'd say both are likely culprits. If that is the case, try connecting your comp directly to the modem and see if connection still drops. If it does, then you have your answer.