How long should a router last?

[JWBlue]

How long should a router last before it stops working effectively?

[redrazor11]

Depends on brand, year it was made, and storage location

-my linksys router has been around for a good year and going, whereas our belkin one died in 2 months

-Models made further back (before 2000 lets say) were not as mature in process and manufacturing techniques, therefore had worse quality.

-If you live in very dusty or hot+humid area's, chances are your electronics won't last as long due to extra stress on the components

[NAS Ghost]

The router i have at home has lasted for 3-4 years

[Pai]

The one I have last about 4-5 years as well, however, it is beginning to get unresponsive and drop connection randomly.

[Wu Jen]

The one I have last about 4-5 years as well, however, it is beginning to get unresponsive and drop connection randomly.

Have you tried cleaning it? Blowing dust out etc? That might help. Also if you plug things in and remove them fairly often then it could be that the contacts are getting worn...in which case cleaning might help, but your right it might be time for a new one.

[blue68f100]

I have routers over 10+ years old still working. But I always run UPS units on all network and pc equipment.

I have never had a router fail. But I always spend the extra money for quality,

As for Belkin I have seen them bad right out of the box. If you got 2 months you 6 wks better than any I know of.

[jimbob83]

I agree with blue68f100, UPS units are a must. I have an old SMC Networks router at the office that's been on 24/7 for over 8 years and a 4 year old D-link at home. The UPS units (or their batteries) have been replaced at least once, but the routers are still going strong.

[robgoesfish]

how long is a piece of string... I have bought many routers for many people over the last 5 years years, some are still going, I have had a few d-links die at around the year mark. Never seen a dead linksys in 5 yearss

[scooberdoober]

My router is at least 8 years old, and still has no problems.