How long does a wireless router transmitter last?

[smelchionda]

I've had at least two Lynksys WRT54G Wireless routers die on me. It seems like after a period of time, maybe a year or two they just stop transmitting. Has anyone else noticed that? Is this a common issue? I stopped buying Lynksys and my latest router is a Belkin... although I'm now having problems with that one also... see my other post for the details on that.

 

[DaveMcLain]

I've used a bunch of the Linksys WRT54G routers in many different versions and I think I've had one that quit working all together and another that wireless doesn't function correctly but the rest of the box works great. I've abused them with DD-WRT and in outdoor weatherproof boxes without failures so I don't know if there is a rule of thumb on how long they will last when running 24/7 but I would think that several possibly five years would be a reasonable lifespan.

 

[thiggins]

I think it's unusual for routers to die that quickly. Is there anything unusual about your environment. Do you keep the routers in a warm space or stacked with other equipment.

Problems can be caused by unstable AC power. Consider putting the router (and your other computing equipment) on a UPS.

 

[Mitski]

I disagree...

I support over 40 salespeople in my organization, and they are constantly coming to me with their home issues. On a regular basis I see all manufacturers wireless routers failing after 1 to 2 years. Because of my experiences I will not use D-Link, and Linksys and Netgear are not much better.

By Failing I mean that they begin to loose connectivity. It will be fine, but then drop, then fine, in situations where it was rock solid the previous year. I have tried flashing the firmware and re-configuring, but in my experience I see the problem come back after a month or so. In the end it become less expensive and most importantly, less time consuming to replace the Wifi Router with a new one.

YMMV, but that is my expierence.

Cheers,

Mitch in NYC

 

[thiggins]

Thanks for the insight, Mitch. But connectivity problems can be caused by other networks and interference sources. Doing a site survey and an RF sweep will tell you whether the connectivity problems being blamed on routers / APs are really their fault.