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    How long should a router last?

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by JWBlue, Mar 26, 2008.

  1. JWBlue

    JWBlue Notebook Deity

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    How long should a router last before it stops working effectively?
     
    JWBlue, Mar 26, 2008
    #1
  2. redrazor11

    redrazor11 Formerly waterwizard11

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    Depends on brand, year it was made, and storage location

    -my linksys router has been around for a good year and going, whereas our belkin one died in 2 months

    -Models made further back (before 2000 lets say) were not as mature in process and manufacturing techniques, therefore had worse quality.

    -If you live in very dusty or hot+humid area's, chances are your electronics won't last as long due to extra stress on the components
     
    redrazor11, Mar 26, 2008
    #2
  3. NAS Ghost

    NAS Ghost Notebook Deity

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    The router i have at home has lasted for 3-4 years
     
    NAS Ghost, Mar 26, 2008
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  4. Pai

    Pai Notebook Evangelist

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    The one I have last about 4-5 years as well, however, it is beginning to get unresponsive and drop connection randomly.
     
    Pai, Mar 26, 2008
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  5. Wu Jen

    Wu Jen Some old nobody

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    Have you tried cleaning it? Blowing dust out etc? That might help. Also if you plug things in and remove them fairly often then it could be that the contacts are getting worn...in which case cleaning might help, but your right it might be time for a new one.
     
    Wu Jen, Mar 26, 2008
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  6. blue68f100

    blue68f100 Notebook Virtuoso

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    I have routers over 10+ years old still working. But I always run UPS units on all network and pc equipment.

    I have never had a router fail. But I always spend the extra money for quality,

    As for Belkin I have seen them bad right out of the box. If you got 2 months you 6 wks better than any I know of.
     
    blue68f100, Mar 26, 2008
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  7. jimbob83

    jimbob83 Notebook Evangelist

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    I agree with blue68f100, UPS units are a must. I have an old SMC Networks router at the office that's been on 24/7 for over 8 years and a 4 year old D-link at home. The UPS units (or their batteries) have been replaced at least once, but the routers are still going strong.
     
    jimbob83, Mar 26, 2008
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  8. robgoesfish

    robgoesfish Notebook Enthusiast

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    how long is a piece of string... I have bought many routers for many people over the last 5 years years, some are still going, I have had a few d-links die at around the year mark. Never seen a dead linksys in 5 yearss
     
    robgoesfish, Mar 26, 2008
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  9. scooberdoober

    scooberdoober Penguins FTW!

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    My router is at least 8 years old, and still has no problems.
     
    scooberdoober, Mar 26, 2008
    #9