The reason that a router may go bad is that it is old or old in quality. A router could also go bad if you have too many devices on the network, which puts a strain on the router. If you have any of these issues, you should contact your ISP for advice about switching to a new customer-grade router, upgrading your old one, or changing your plan so that there is less traffic over the network.
The frustrating thing is you don’t know what causes these issues. Maybe you need to change your router’s firmware or update its operating system. But, that process is complicated, requires technical expertise, and could be time-consuming.
So, in this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most common causes of router problems and how you can prevent them from happening again.
What is causing the majority of router malfunctions?
There are a variety of reasons that routers go bad, but the most common cause is physical damage. This can happen if the router is dropped or knocked over, for example. Other causes of router malfunctions include overheating, power surges, and software glitches.
Why are older routers more prone to malfunctions?
There are a few reasons why older routers are more prone to malfunctions. One reason is that the hardware inside routers can degrade over time. This is especially true for the components that are used to process data and connect to the internet. As these components degrade, they can cause the router to malfunction.
Another reason why older routers are more likely to go bad is that the software that runs on them can become outdated. Over time, new security threats and vulnerabilities are discovered. If the router’s software isn’t updated to address these threats, it can leave the device vulnerable to attack.
Finally, another reason why older routers may malfunction is that they simply aren’t designed to handle the demands of modern life. Today, we use our routers for much more than just connecting to the internet. We use them for streaming movies, playing online games, and even as part of our home security systems. Older routers weren’t designed for this level of usage and can often struggle to keep up.
If you have an older router, there are a few things you can do to try and extend its lifespan. First, make sure you keep its software up to date.
How to prevent router degradation?
One of the most frustrating things that can happen to a computer user is when their router starts to degrade in performance. This often manifests as slower speeds, increased latency, or intermittent connectivity.
While there are a number of reasons why this might happen, one of the most common is simply that the router is getting old and needs to be replaced. However, there are a few things that can be done to try and prevent router degradation before it becomes a problem.
- One is to regularly update the firmware on the device. Firmware updates often include bug fixes and performance enhancements that can help keep a router running at its best.
- Another thing that can be done is to minimize the number of devices that are connected to the router. This is because each device that’s connected adds additional strain on the router, which can lead to performance issues. If possible, connect only those devices that you absolutely need to the router.
- Finally, if you notice that your router’s performance is starting to decline, don’t hesitate to replace it. While it might be tempting to try and squeeze a bit more life out of an old router, it’s generally not worth the frustration and inconvenience that comes with degraded performance.
When should you upgrade your router?
If your router is more than a few years old, it might be time for an upgrade. Newer routers offer better performance and features than older models. If you’re experiencing problems with your current router, or if it’s not able to keep up with your needs, it might be time to get a new one.
Conclusion:
As we can see, routers can go bad for a number of reasons. Sometimes it’s due to hardware failure, while other times it’s because of outdated firmware or incorrect settings. In any case, it’s important to be proactive in maintaining your router to prevent any potential issues.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave a comment below.

I am the founder and CEO of Ownrouter. I have been in the industry for over 15 years, and I am passionate about routers. I have a degree in computer science from the University of London and worked as a network engineer for a large ISP. I am also a member of the board of directors for the Open Source Router Project. Learn more