If your internet is slower than expected, it may be time to upgrade your speeds. Or you may just need a new router that can actually handle the speeds you’ve purchased!
In today’s blog, we’ll walk you through signs it’s time for a router upgrade and what to do about it so you and your family can take full advantage of EPICTOUCH’s high-speed fiber network and greatly improve your streaming, gaming, and overall online experience!
First Step: Look for Signs That Your Router Needs Replacing
Sign #1: Your Router Is Just Plain Old
Start by asking yourself this: just how old is your router? If you can’t even remember when you purchased it, that’s a good sign it’s more than five years old. In fact, many homes and small businesses use the same router they originally bought in the early 2010’s or even 2000’s!
If your router is several years old and predates 2019, it simply lacks the technological chops to take full advantage of fiber’s bandwidth and speeds. Tech experts recommend updating to a new router every three to five years to keep up with technology, so remember that as a good rule of thumb.
Sign #2: The Router Feels Hot to the Touch
Another indicator that your router is in rough shape and needs replacing is that it often feels like it’s overheating. Now, of course, almost all electronics will warm up while they’re running. But we’re not talking about typical warmth from sustained usage, but rather considerable heat put out from too much processing.
Such excessive heat is a sign that your router is overworked and attempting to handle more than it can, which in turn leads to slowdowns or even dropped connections or reboots. It might also mean that its internal materials and components have degraded or stopped working, causing further problems in transmitting Wi-Fi signals effectively.
Sign #3: You’re Not Getting Anywhere Near the Maximum Download Speeds Your Internet Service Provides
If you’ve noticed that your streaming seems frequently pixelated or distorted—despite paying for a top tier speed plan—it’s quite likely that your router just isn’t up to the job. With fiber internet, data can transfer at nearly the speed of light—something older routers just can’t handle.
If you’re fed up with slow download speeds and have already conducted troubleshooting to rule out other problems, it’s probably time for a new router.
Second Step: Utilize the Latest Wi-Fi Technology
Prior to the start of 2024, the most current Wi-Fi technology was Wi-Fi 6, also called 802.11ax (or an updated version called Wi-Fi 6e launched in 2021), which had been a substantial improvement from previous forms of Wi-Fi technology (e.g., Wi-Fi 5). Indeed, Wi-Fi 6 or 6e, which most new Wi-Fi routers built since 2019 use, will still provide excellent coverage to disperse internet.
In short, look for routers built in 2019 or later using Wi-Fi 6 or 6e, or even better, the latest version, Wi-Fi 7. Their more sophisticated software designs are optimized to work with fiber’s outstanding download speeds.
Third Step: Select a New Router
Upgrade your EPICTOUCH service with our EPICOPTIMUS router for faster downloads, smoother video streaming, and a more efficient online experience.
EPICOPTIMUS’s WiFi router system provides enhanced security through regular updates and advanced encryption, ensuring protection against cyber threats. Scalable and easy to expand, these systems minimize downtime with robust monitoring and troubleshooting capabilities.
Fourth Step: Always Keep Your Router’s Software Updated and Protected
Once you’ve upgraded to a new WiFi router with the latest technology, it’s essential to keep it updated. WiFi router manufacturers frequently release software updates to enhance performance, similar to other computer hardware. Ensuring your router’s software is regularly updated, just like you would for your laptop or smartphone, improves its effectiveness and ensures a smoother internet experience.
Additionally, regularly updated and newer routers are better equipped to fend off cyber threats, enhancing the security of your home or small business network. With cyber crimes like hacking, phishing, and ransomware becoming more prevalent, staying on top of your router’s security upgrades is a straightforward way to bolster your network’s protection.
EPICOPTIMUS takes care of these updates for you when you choose our service, ensuring your router remains secure and optimized without any hassle on your end.
Consider adding EPICOPTIMUS to your service today. The steps outlined above will assist you in deciding whether it’s time to upgrade to a new WiFi router and choosing the best one for your requirements. Remember to regularly check for software and security updates to keep your network safe and secure.
For further assistance on optimizing your internet experience, feel free to reach out to EPICTOUCH’s customer service representatives. Call us at 800-554-4250.