Do routers lose range over time? R7000

[sgold5]

Does a ten year old router lose range quality over time?  Will a new model better meet todays wifi needs?  Experienceing some buffering at extended range on Roku device.

AC1900 WiFi Router (R7000) 

[sgold5 · Accepted solution]

Firmware Version:  V1.0.11.110_10.2.100

Conducted Speed Test under the QOS Tab.

Router is wired to PC and sends wireless wifi to all other devices.

[plemans]

What modem do you have? 

What firmware is on the R7000?

the r7000 isn't known for the best firmware. The agreed upon stable version is the 1.0.9.42 version. You could try installing that, factory reset the router, and then see how it works. 

What do you consider "at range" to the roku? 

Are you connecting via 2.4ghz or 5ghz to the roku? 2.4ghz is much much slower but broadcasts further and through more materials. In my area, its pretty much worthless for streaming because it also suffers from interference. 

[sgold5]

Currently using Firmware Version V1.0.10.90_10.2.90

Using 2.4 ghz for longer range.

Roku connection is Fair located opposite side of house.

Modem was just replaced by Spectrum (Charter)

Latest Speed Test:

	Latest test result: Fri Oct 2 13:07:52 2020
92.42Mbps	11.78Mbps

Download / Upload

Thank you for the insight!

[antinode]

> Currently using Firmware Version V1.0.10.90_10.2.90

   Why?  It's not the latest, or the best.

      https://community.netgear.com/t5/x/x/m-p/1900901#M155834

[sgold5]

Checked for firmware update under Advanced / Admin / Router Firmware Update Assistant and ended up with: 

Firmware Version Check

No new firmware version available.

[sgold5]

Updated Firmware saw a 38% increase in internet speed. 

[antinode]

> Updated Firmware [...]

   To which version?

> [...] saw a 38% increase in internet speed.

   "saw" how, exactly?  Wired or wireless?  Measured what, how?

   Plenty of things can affect wireless speed and range, including
interference from other nearby wireless-network radios.

[sgold5 · Accepted solution]

Firmware Version:  V1.0.11.110_10.2.100

Conducted Speed Test under the QOS Tab.

Router is wired to PC and sends wireless wifi to all other devices.