Is It Time for a New Router

Durango · 19 Apr 2015

My router is about 10 years old but conforms to 802.11g specs. When I got it, it wasn't even called a router....it is called a Microsoft Wireless-G Base Station (model MN-700).

This base station is hard-wired to my computer, and then serviced by a DSL modem from my little 'mom & pop' telephone company. My download speed is typically only 2Mbps.

I'm not having any problems with it, but I'm just wondering if router technology has advanced to the point that a new router would be an advantage. I do tend to keep hardware as long as it's working.

Would appreciate any thoughts/comments.......thanks in advance.

nekkidtruth · 20 Apr 2015

Ultimately, it's entirely up to you whether you want to upgrade. If you're not experiencing any issues, it really is just a matter of choice.

That being said, here are some questions that might help your decision.

1.) What is the maximum speed of your connection? You may typically download at 2Mbps, but is that what DSL profile you're on?

2.) Do you have any wireless devices that might benefit from an upgrade? For example, you may have a newer device that uses 802.11n or ac. You would definitely see better throughput locally.

3.) Do you do a lot of local transferring of files? Large or small? Most routers now come with Gigabit ports that support up to 1Gbit across the network. Assuming your computer has a network interface card that supports gigabit, this would significantly increase your local network speeds.

There are all kinds of things that have changed over the last 10 years in networking. Chipsets have advanced, power consumption, thermal advances....

It's really up to you at this point :)

manish9009 · 20 Apr 2015

Your Devices:- Now a days almost all modern devices support AC standard of Wireless having a AC router will really PUMP up of your data transfer speed.
Routers are no more only a mean of sharing internet, I have a netgear r-6300, I have connected a 1 TB hardrive in it can access the content from any of my cellphones, computers,smarttv.

whs · 20 Apr 2015

I wonder whether the 802.11ac standard is finalized now. Does anybody know. And are there already PCs available supporting this standard. I know there are some adapters, but what about native integrated.

Durango · 21 Apr 2015

Thanks to everyone for the responses. As to download speed, that is what I typically get when I run a speed test. Here in the Arkansas boonies (where I love to live), some of our internet connections are still done by carrier pigeon. On a good day, my download speed may bump up to 2.6 Mbps. Most of my equipment is fairly old...no n devices. So I'm thinking my Microsoft g router should be OK until I upgrade PC and OS to Windows 10 late this year. Thanks again.