If you've noticed your home internet experience declining recently, with Netflix frequently buffering, lag in online games, or spotty Wi-Fi coverage throughout the house, it may be time for an upgrade.

Before you get frustrated with the slowdowns and dropouts, let's evaluate if a new router could resolve these issues. A modern model designed to handle today's bandwidth-heavy demands may be just what you need to restore fast, seamless Wi-Fi where you need it most.

Slowing Performance as the Network Grows

In the last 5–10 years, home networks have seen exponential growth in connected devices. Where households once had only a computer or two, it's now common to have 10 or more devices simultaneously using the router for streaming media, Web browsing, online gaming, and more.

This increased bandwidth demand stresses older routers not designed for high-traffic networks. They have less powerful processors, less memory, and less advanced chipsets than newer models. Over time, an aging router may struggle to keep up, resulting in lagging or buffering issues.

Frequent Disconnections and Requiring Reboots

If you've noticed your Wi-Fi signal cutting out regularly, forcing you to reboot the router to get reconnected, this is a tell-tale sign that the router may be on the way out.

Outdated Wireless Standards

The Wi-Fi standards supported by routers have advanced rapidly in the last five years alone. Older models may be capable of only slower legacy standards such as 802.11b/g or 802.11n, while newer devices take full advantage of the increased speeds that standards such as 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) and 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) provide.

It also leaves you vulnerable, as older standards have known security flaws that newer protocols have addressed.

Missing Security Updates

Wireless router manufacturers typically support a device with firmware security updates for around five years after its release. But after that point, if new exploits are discovered, your older router model may no longer receive patches, leaving it open to hacks and malware.

By upgrading to a currently supported model, you can ensure the latest bug and vulnerability fixes for years to come, keeping your home network protected as threats evolve.

Feeling Left Behind by Your ISP Router?

If your current router was supplied by your internet service provider (ISP) as part of the connection package, it may be because they require you to use one of their routers.

If your ISP allows you to supply your own router, this gives you control to choose a model tailored to your specific usage scenarios, such as whole-home coverage, fast speeds, or robust parental controls, ensuring you get the most out of your broadband home network.

Is It Time for an Upgrade?

If any of the issues above seem familiar, or you want a faster, more reliable network throughout your home, an upgrade to a new, higher-performance router is well worth the investment.

From online bullying to inappropriate content, the internet poses unique risks to children that didn't exist just a decade ago. While basic safety measures like avoiding suspicious links and keeping personal details private are still necessary, today's kids face a more complex threat landscape that demands continuous vigilance from parents.

Let's take a closer look at some of the top concerns and what proactive steps you can take to shield your family.

In-Game Purchases and Loot Boxes

Many popular games and apps entice kids with in-game currencies and randomized "loot boxes" that can function similarly to gambling. Children can unwittingly spend real money with just a few intuitive taps without understanding the value. While some platforms have added parental controls, enforcement remains inconsistent.

The safest approach to avoid unexpected in-game spending is to avoid entering payment details altogether and only use gift cards with set balances for your kids' accounts.

Filtering Across All Devices

With smartphones and tablets in the hands of even the youngest children, they now have constant internet access well beyond the home computer. It's critical to employ consistent, comprehensive content filters across all devices your family uses - from desktops to mobile.

Depending on your child's age and maturity, options range from white-listing only approved websites to selectively blocking categories like adult content, violence, or social media. While some devices have built-in parental controls, third-party solutions often provide more customization and coverage for multiple connected products in one place.

Monitoring Screen Time, Activity and Mental Well-Being

Both mobile and desktop operating systems offer parental controls to view activity reports and limit when and for how long children can use technology.

You can restrict specific apps, games, and websites, helping guide them toward age-appropriate content and healthy screen habits. Regularly reviewing activity logs ensures tools are properly configured to reflect your family's needs and values. It also allows promptly addressing any concerning online behavior before it negatively impacts their well-being or development.

Educating Children About Internet Safety

Alongside tools, open communication helps kids navigate the online world safely and responsibly. Discuss appropriate ways to interact with others online and how to handle seeing upsetting content or bullying. Explain the potential dangers of oversharing personal details.

Prioritizing Safety Shouldn't Mean Sacrificing Learning

While online threats have grown more complex, so too have the educational benefits of technology for curious young minds. With the right balance of education and protection, families can experience all the internet has to offer while ensuring children's well-being remains the top priority.

If you have any questions concerning this months' Newsletter (or any other computer-related questions), you can reach out to us at 940-282-0290. We'll be more than happy to help you out.