How Often Should You Replace Your Modem?

The modem is the most critical piece of networking hardware in your house, as it provides a connection to the internet. If your modem ever stops working, you won’t be able to get online. So how often should you replace your modem to avoid a sudden catastrophe? The general rule of thumb is every couple of years, but it depends on many different factors.

How Long Do Modems Usually Last?

Like any other networking hardware or technology in general, there’s a considerable difference between basic and high-end modems. Lower-end modems tend to have a two to three-year lifespan, while higher-end modems typically last more than five years. In general, you can expect a modem to last between two and five years before it has to be replaced due to failure or obsolescence.

Higher-end modems tend to use higher quality parts, like better capacitors that last longer before failing. Some modems are designed better than others for heat dissipation, which can also help them last longer. For example, a well-ventilated modem that is regularly cleaned and dusted internally will last a lot longer than a poorly-ventilated modem never cleaned or maintained in any way.

In addition to build quality, case and heat sink design, and the level of maintenance provided over the life of a modem, you also have to consider features and capabilities. Even if a modem still technically works, it’s often a good idea to upgrade if it isn’t providing the fastest possible speeds, doesn’t have the latest wireless network standards, or lacks essential features.

How Often Should You Replace Your Modem and Router?

The exact amount of time you should wait before getting a new modem or replacing your router depends on several factors. You need to consider how important your internet connection is, whether you rent or own your network hardware, and the networking technology being employed by your internet service provider.

You may want to consider replacing your modem when:

• You’re no longer satisfied with the speed and quality of the internet connection.
• New features are available you can’t do without.
• Your internet service provider supports new networking standards not supported by your modem.

For example, a new DOCSIS standard is usually introduced every four to seven years for cable internet. That means you should expect to replace your cable modem at least every four to seven years if you want the fastest, highest quality connection possible. However, cable internet service providers don’t always adopt new standards immediately. If you have the option to buy a new modem that supports the latest DOCSIS standard, but your internet service provider (ISP) doesn’t support it yet, you can wait to replace your modem.

Do I Need to Upgrade My Modem?

Whether or not you need to upgrade your modem depends on a few factors. If your modem is in the neighborhood of 10 years old, then you will almost certainly see a benefit from upgrading. If you have a newer modem, then it’s a question of the sort of internet service plan you have, the alternate plans available from your internet service provider, and whether upgrading would result in an improvement in your service.

The other main factor you need to consider is whether you rent your modem or own your modem. While it’s usually a better idea to purchase a modem if you plan to live in the same place and have the same ISP for more than a couple of years, the primary benefit of renting is that your ISP may provide regular free upgrades.

If you rent your modem, and you’ve had the same modem for more than a year or two, it’s worth checking to see if an upgrade is available. Regardless of how long you’ve been renting a modem, it’s also worth requesting a replacement or upgrade if you’ve noticed speed or connection issues. Your rental modem may not have been new when you first received it, so it may have outdated technology or worn-out internal components like capacitors, even if you haven’t had it very long.

If you own your modem, check it against the list of modems your ISP officially supports. If your ISP supports a newer networking standard your modem doesn't support, like DOCSIS 3.1 versus 3.0, or it supports a modem with features that you want, then it’s worth considering an upgrade. 

How Do You Know If Your Modem Is Going Bad?

In many cases, a modem will work fine one day and then stop working the next with absolutely no warning. If a vital internal component fails, it’s essentially like flipping a light switch. If a less critical part fails, you may notice a handful of telltale signs, which can help you tell if your modem is going bad.

Here are some signs your modem is going bad or has already failed:

• You need to reset the modem regularly.
• Your internet connection drops out frequently.
• Your internet connection is either slow or inconsistent.
• Buzzing or humming noise from the modem.
• The lights on the modem aren’t the expected color.
• The lights on the modem don’t light up.
• You are unable to connect to the internet, and your ISP reports no outages.
• The modem won’t turn on, even if you unplug it and plug it back in.