Can an outdated/old router cuase interent problems?

[Phily21]

Hello

I have a router by Tp-Link (TL-WR1043ND), which is an old and outdated model (there is a new one but mine is an older version) and lately I have been having internet issues regarding download speed, and overall connection speed. Is it possible that the router could be affecting my internet in some way? Whether you are connected through WIFI, a power line kit (which is what I use for my main computer), or even hardwired to the router, the internet speed seems sluggish.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Lutfij]

If your router is on the latest firmware and you've ruled out your ISP not being dodgy and being honest with your connectivity's bandwidth/package, then it's possible that the router could be your limiting factor. I've had some of my friends bring in routers that were on their way out, albeit after being in service for a good 3 to 4 years with some heavy traffic management across multiple devices, wired and wirelessly.

 

[Phily21]

If your router is on the latest firmware and you've ruled out your ISP not being dodgy and being honest with your connectivity's bandwidth/package, then it's possible that the router could be your limiting factor. I've had some of my friends bring in routers that were on their way out, albeit after being in service for a good 3 to 4 years with some heavy traffic management across multiple devices, wired and wirelessly.

That's one of the problems, I tried updating my routers firmware but there is no download file available for my particular model on the TP-Links webpage. I tried finding it else ware but couldn't find anything. And I don't think it is my ISP package, which is 100 down and 10 or 20 up, because if I connect up to my modem I pass those marks with flying colors. Also, based on my internet package what kind of router would you suggest to get?

 

[bill001g]

I would factory reset the router and put a very minimal configuration in it. Pretty much just set the wifi up and anything else you need to get it to work.

That router should be able to keep up with a 100mbps internet connection, it still has the same processor it did when it was new.

Most router failures are things like it does not power on or it random reboots. Sometimes the wifi radios will just stop working. Its hard to say what type of failure would make it run slow. The speed it mostly a function of how fast the cpu can process the data and a cpu failure most times does not just slow things down.

I would check/replace the cable between the modem and the router. There is a small change that got damaged and it is a cheap thing to try compared to buying a new router.