How long do routers work?

[Wild Bill]

I've had my AT&T DSL wireless 2-wire router for 4 years without problems, but lately we seem to have some issues connecting wirelessly. Do they need to be replaced or upgraded periodically? Thanks.

 

[brntorng]

They should continue to work, but it's not out of the question that something's getting out of spec. It's probably time to upgrade it anyway, and perhaps move to a faster wireless standard. Have you (or perhaps a neighbor if you're in a condo or apartment) recently added a wireless phone system or something similar that could be interfering? That's another possibility.

 

[TexasEd]

are you detecting any other networks on the same channel?

 

[OrangeHair]

I've had a 2wire for the last 3 years. Actually the first one crapped out at 9 months. From what I remember I was having trouble connecting wirelessly and the tech support had me changing the settings, channels, etc and then we heard a pop. Luckily it was under warranty and they gave us a new/refurbished one.

It's been working ok since but it's still a poor wireless router. If I start downloading large files it basically kicks off the wireless users (like it can't handle two things at once). If I weren't so lazy and cheap I'd upgrade to a linksys and go back to my old wired dsl modem.

 

[pulque]

Until they die...

 

[Wild Bill]

Thanks all for the advice. I finally ordered a new 2-wire DSL router for AT&T and hooked it up. All computers in the house including my daughter's laptop upstairs are working flawlessly. I guess that was the problem. Only cost me $80. Thanks again.