wireless router question

[38Super]

for general in home use. what is the average life span one can expect? Am on the second one in 8 years and think i may have to replace it because i have tried everything i can think of and it still does not work.

Any suggestions/insight?

They have both been netgear products.

Thanks

 

[shelshy]

I've had good luck with Belkin. If its a router only and not a router/modem then 2 in 8 years sounds pretty good. My router/modems usually last about 2 years and then have to be replaced.

 

[93turbohatch]

Linksys seems to be the best out there...

 

[okwarren]

I recommend the Asus RT-N16

 

[GlockPaperScissors]

If it is making a hissing sound, then one of the capacitors has probably failed. I bought two Netgear routers around the same time, and the one that I never turned off failed after a little over 3 years. I turn the power off on the other one by flipping the switch on a surge protector whenever I don't need it to be running. That one is still working. I found a TrendNet router on Amazon for $15, and it works fine so far. The price has gone up since then. I wouldn't spend more than $35 for a new router.

 

[Belthos]

It may well be broken.
It may be that with all the new radio frequency toys in your area that it can no longer be heard over the rf background noise.

 

[jmike314]

Always good to upgrade in the 3-5 year range regardless of function.
I've used just about every brand available...sold them too.
You're going to find lemons in every bunch. Belkin, Linksys/Cisco, Netgear are all solid performers. Make sure your router has the features you want and proper security and you should be good to go.
Depending on how much you spend...2-4 years per router is about right. Some will last longer...some shorter.

 

[1911Sooner]

I have an Apple router and love it. It has a usb port to plug your printer into and since my printer isn't wireless I can print to it from my laptops through the router.

 

[dak]

I had a Linksys WRT-54GL for ~5 years and currently use a TP-Link. Linksys, Asus, or TP-Link is what I'd recommend for a replacement. I've never really cared for Netgear.

 

[vvvvvvv]

I run 2 routers in the house and one in the garage. (Yeah, I stream Spotify over wifi.while mowing.) I have one 10 year old linksys, another 8 year old linksys, and a 5 year old Cisco. All have spent their lives running 24/7 just about... and without surge protectors...