Router care and maintenance (2024)

FAQs

Router care and maintenance? ›

Regular router care

Your Wi-Fi router is connected to the modem and enables multiple devices to connect wirelessly to your internet server at the same time. While the router needs to be cleared up regularly to get rid of history and any malware, it also needs physical cleaning.

Cleaning the bits after each use and removing any built-up residue will help to prevent dulling. Additionally, inspecting the bits for any signs of wear or damage is important. If necessary, sharpening the bits using appropriate tools and techniques will ensure their maximum efficiency and longevity.

Restarting a router and modem can sometimes improve internet speed, especially if it is experiencing any issues or has not been restarted in a while. Router software may need to refresh its connection to the internet service provider, and rebooting might resolve small technical issues and clear up memory.

Regular router care

To keep your router performance in top form, it's important to do the following: Replace your router every 3-5 years. Prevent overheating by placing your router away from heat sources and with good circulation. Reboot your router after an outage or if performance becomes spotty.

If you live in a household or have a workspace with many people, rebooting your router at least once a week will greatly improve everyone's connection as well as help your router last longer. However, if you live by yourself or with only a couple more people, a monthly reboot should be more than enough.

Constant rebooting is a major sign that it's time to replace your Wi-Fi router. When a router reboots itself multiple times, it indicates potential hardware issues or an inability to handle the existing traffic load. Frequent reboots can also be linked to overheating and the age of the router.

Avoid placing your router next to walls, near appliances, on the floor, in cabinets, or around water, mirrors, or metal for the best Wi-Fi connection.

Can you use WD-40 to clean router bits? ›

I take very good care of my router bits. I clean them after every use with pitch remover and lubricate the bearings with WD-40.

Routers wear out from heat stress. The heat that comes from the router working to connect all of your many devices can damage wires and components inside. They have vents that allow the heat to escape. If those vents are clogged with dust, the heat doesn't escape.

The safest and most efficient way to fashion and attach a hood to your router is to make a new base and attach a dust hood to it. The material I chose was some polyethylene sheeting that I had sitting around the shop. This material is easy to machine. Lay out the base of the router on the material.

Rebooting your Wi-Fi router -- and potentially your modem, too -- can be as simple as unplugging it, waiting about 30 seconds and plugging it back in. If that doesn't work, resetting your router to factory settings could be necessary.

The verdict

For most people, leaving your WiFi router on 24/7 is the way to go. It ensures a seamless connected experience and keeps your devices working as they should.

Router reset will wipe out all of your customized settings. Router username and password will be reset to factory default values as shown on the router label. Personalized Wi-Fi settings will be deleted, including the Wi-Fi name and password you created.

How to Update Your Router. To update your router's firmware, type your router's IP address into your web browser and enter your login information. Then locate the Firmware or Update section and download the latest firmware update on your router manufacturer's website. Finally, upload the update and reboot the router.

Check the router's LED lights

Your router's LED lights tell you if you've successfully made an active Internet connection. If you don't see lights confirming such a connection, make sure you've plugged the cable into the correct port.