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How to Tell If Your Old Router Can't Handle Modern Speeds
Router & WiFiIntermediate15-20 minutes

How to Tell If Your Old Router Can't Handle Modern Speeds

Difficulty
Intermediate
Time
15-20 minutes
Category
Router & WiFi

You upgraded your internet plan but speeds are still slow - here's how to know if your old router is the bottleneck.

💡What's Happening

You're paying for gigabit internet but only getting a fraction of those speeds. You've called your ISP, they say everything looks good on their end, but your devices are still crawling. The culprit is often an old router that can't process modern internet speeds. The good news? This is easy to diagnose and fix.

✓Quick Checks (Do These First)

  • Check your router's age. If it's 5+ years old, it's likely the problem.
  • Test directly from modem. Connect a computer via Ethernet to your modem (bypassing router) and run a speed test.
  • Look up your router model. Google it to see its maximum rated speed.
  • Check the WAN port spec. Is it Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps) or Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps)?
  • Look for Wi-Fi standard. 802.11n or older can't handle modern speeds.

🔧Step-by-Step Fixes

Fix 1: Confirm Your Router Is the Bottleneck

  1. Go to speedtest.net and test your current speeds through your router
  2. Write down the download and upload speeds
  3. Turn off your router and connect a computer directly to your modem using Ethernet
  4. Wait 2 minutes for the modem to recognize the new connection
  5. Run another speed test
  6. If speeds are much faster (2x or more), your router is definitely the problem

Fix 2: Identify Your Router's Limitations

  1. Find your router's model number (on the label on the bottom or back)
  2. Google "[model number] specifications"
  3. Look for these key specs:
    • WAN Port: If it says "Fast Ethernet" or "10/100", it maxes out at 100 Mbps
    • Wi-Fi Standard: 802.11n is limited to ~300 Mbps real-world, 802.11ac to ~900 Mbps
    • Maximum throughput: This is the practical speed limit
  4. Compare these specs to your internet plan speed

Example: If you have 500 Mbps internet but a router with a 100 Mbps WAN port, you'll never get faster than 100 Mbps.

Fix 3: Understand What You Need

Here's what router you need for different internet speeds:

  • Up to 100 Mbps: Any modern router (even older 802.11n) will work
  • 100-500 Mbps: Need 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) with Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • 500 Mbps - 1 Gbps: Need Wi-Fi 5 (AC1900 or better) or Wi-Fi 6
  • Over 1 Gbps: Need Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E with multi-gig ports

Fix 4: Check If You Can Use ISP's Router/Modem Combo

  1. Call your ISP and ask if they provide a modern modem/router combo
  2. Ask specifically about the Wi-Fi standard and port speeds
  3. If they offer one that matches your speed tier, consider using it
  4. Most ISPs charge $10-15/month rental, but it includes support
  5. Calculate if this makes sense vs. buying your own

Fix 5: Choose the Right Replacement Router

If you need to upgrade, here's what to look for:

  1. For 200-500 Mbps plans: AC1750 or AC1900 router (~$70-120)
  2. For 500 Mbps - 1 Gbps: Wi-Fi 6 (AX1800 or better) (~$120-200)
  3. For large homes: Mesh system like Eero, Google Nest WiFi, or TP-Link Deco (~$200-400)
  4. Make sure it has Gigabit Ethernet ports (1000 Mbps)
  5. Look for at least 4 LAN ports if you have wired devices

⚠️If Nothing Worked

If you've confirmed your router should handle your speeds but you're still getting slow performance, the issue might be your modem, ISP throttling, or network congestion in your area. Run speed tests at different times of day to see if it varies. Also check if you're testing over Wi-Fi or wired - Wi-Fi will always be slower than direct Ethernet connection.

📞When to Call a Pro

If you're not comfortable shopping for and setting up a new router, or if you've upgraded but still aren't getting expected speeds, professional help can identify other bottlenecks. Sometimes the issue is more complex - like needing network-wide optimization, better cable quality, or resolving ISP equipment issues.

Need Professional Help?

If you're in the Tampa Bay area and need hands-on assistance, Geeks in Sneaks provides friendly, on-site tech support in Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, and Dunedin. We can help you choose the right router and get it set up perfectly.

Schedule a Visit

Related Topics

routerslow-speedsupgraderouter-bottleneckinternet-speed

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