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We rely on the internet today more than ever. If the connection isn’t working or running slow, it can be a big problem. Many of our jobs as well as a wide variety of other things depend on being able to get on the Internet quickly.
Because of this, we need a few things to keep everything running smoothly and working properly. The Internet sends out signals that are then translated by a modem into a connection used by your Wifi router (or sent from the modem over a cable to your devices). In this article we will be discussing the modem.
To bring it to a more basic definition, a modem gives you access to the Internet meaning that it plays a big part in whether you have internet or Wifi. So, can modems go bad and if so, how long do they last?
Modems can go bad. Since they are running all the time, the heat degrades the electronic components making them fail. Usually after 2 to 3 years, your modem will begin to show signs of failing before they eventually will fully shut down.
Linksys (a company that sells modems and other internet devices) explains exactly what a modem is in simple terms by stating, “The modem receives information from your ISP through the phone lines, optical fiber, or coaxial cable in your home (depending on your service provider) and converts it into a digital signal. The router’s job is to push this signal out to connected devices, either through wired Ethernet cables or Wi-Fi, so that all of your devices can hop on board and access the Internet. Your router and ISP can’t communicate directly because they speak different languages—or rather, they transmit different signal types—which is why the modem’s role as a translator is so important.”
So, modems don’t last forever and eventually you will need another one. Most people don’t go and unplug the modem whenever it’s not in use. That’s just really inconvenient because then you have to remember to plug it back in later and wait for it to boot back up before you can get online. So, since the device is running constantly, the heart that it is producing slowly causes it to go bad.
There are some signs that your modem is going bad which we will discuss in a little bit. Most modems only last for about 2 to 4 years until you need to purchase a new one. So, in answer to the question, can modems go bad, yes they can. Eventually you will need to replace it because modems don’t last forever.
To see the most popular modems available just click here.
How Can You Tell If Your Modem Is Going Bad?
In our homes, we use the internet every day. You need your modem for access to the internet. This can be important if you work from home, are looking up information, or simply want to watch your favorite show on Netflix. Unfortunately modems eventually go bad and need to be replaced with a new one.
There are several signs that your internet modem is going bad. But, how can you tell?
You can tell your modem is going bad if it begins to show signs of failing. These signs will include it not turning on, won’t connect to the internet, slow internet connection, etc. If you start to notice any of these it is probably time for a new modem.
All electronics go bad over time. It’s just what happens. And modems are no exception. There are some things that help you to know when you should start to look for another one.
If the modem won’t turn on or connect to the internet at all, this is a sure sign it has gone bad. If your internet connection drops in and out randomly or the internet speed is inconsistent or a lot slower than usual, it’s probably time for a new modem or router.
Another sign that the modem needs to be replaced is if you have to reset it all the time or the indicator lights on the unit are unlit or lit up in colors that shouldn’t be.
As I said before, modems will go bad so if you notice any of these signs you will just need to go get a replacement to get your internet working properly again.
If your modem isn’t working you can try some things to help it start back up again. The most common thing to try is to reboot the modem which is also known as performing a power cycle.
Turn the device off, wait a minute or two and then turn it back on. You can also try to turn off the modem, unplug it, wait, and then plug it back in and turn it back on. Checking all the plugs and then other devices could also help you to figure out how to get the modem started again.
You can even try connecting directly to the modem with an ethernet cable or plugging the modem into a different outlet. If none of these work, then it’s time to get another one.
Be aware of the signs we mentioned such as slow internet connection, etc. and if the modem isn’t working correctly, this is how you will know when it is going bad.
How Long Do Modems Usually Last?
Modems keep our internet running smoothly so we can do our jobs and work on our computers without any unwanted interference. So, we know that modems go bad. We also know that when they start to go bad you can tell by certain signs like if it isn’t working at all, you have poor internet connection, etc.
So, knowing all of this, how long does it take for modems to go bad?
It takes about 2 to 4 years for a modem to go bad. Exactly how long it will last depends on the brand, type, how long it is plugged in, along with other factors. But, on average, a modem will only last for a couple of years until it needs to be replaced.
Modems go bad for all sorts of reasons. Electronics go bad eventually and since modems are running constantly, they go bad faster. They also get hot and by producing this heat, it can cause the device to malfunction.
More advanced modems have a cooling technology to help avoid this. Dust can also be a culprit of why a modem isn’t working properly as well as electricity not flowing steadily to it. Any changes in technology such as upgrades can mean you need to get a new modem as well.
Some older modems just can’t handle higher internet speed meaning that you will need to get a new one that can. Because of all of these reasons, they can go bad within a couple of years.
Most of the time you will need to get a new modem in 2 to 4 years.
Final Thoughts
Modems can go bad and will only last for around 2 to 4 years. Several things can cause the device to go bad including it running all of the time, the heat it produces and other things. If your internet is running slow or the modem is showing any signs that it is going bad, then it is time for a new one.
You can try to check plugs but if it’s been a couple of years since you got a new modem, it is more than likely ready to be replaced. So, yes, modems can go bad and they will only last for a couple of years in most cases.
