Anyone who’s used a modem knows that it can sometimes be challenging.
The internet speed can go awry, and it is hard to figure out the cause.
Electronic devices can go wrong suddenly after a while with no previous issues. Modems are no exception.
So, how to tell if your modem is going bad?
Your modem will start showing signs that it is malfunctioning.
Sometimes the internet speed may slow down or stop altogether. It could also be a wire or outlet issue.
Let’s learn about the signs of a modem going bad, how to fix the issues, and when to replace your modem.
How Can I Test My Modem?
Modems, like all electronic products, have a certain lifespan. The internal gear will wear out after a few years and work less efficiently.
But how to tell if your modem is dying?
If there are signs your modem is going bad, there are specific ways you can test your modem to find out.
Re-Plugging
Often, modem cables can affect the internet connection.
When you use a modem for a while without rebooting in between, errors can build up and cause an issue with the internet speed.
Rebooting refreshes the modems and routers, and they start working again.
Take out the backup battery before unplugging because you want the modem power to turn off completely.
You need to keep it off for around ten seconds and then plug it back in.
However, if unplugging and re-plugging doesn’t change the speed, then the modem’s condition has deteriorated.
Change Outlet
Sometimes the issue isn’t with your device but with your power outlet.
Various things can go wrong with power outlets. It can decrease in power or burn out.
Carefully take out everything that is plugged in from that outlet, then inspect the outlet carefully without touching it.
See if you can detect or smell any melting or burning.
Even if there aren’t any visible damages, try plugging in your modem to a different outlet and see if it works the same way or not.
Check Your Device
Devices can have trouble with internet connection.
They can fail to see the available internet connections or cannot connect to any.
If you think everything is okay with your power outlet and cords, then checking your device is a good idea.
Try restarting your device. Use different electronics to see if they are receiving the same speed or not.
How To Tell If Your Modem Is Going Bad
If you think that your modem is working less proficiently than before, you need to look for some clues.
However, most devices show sure signs before they stop functioning.
Sometimes the issue could be with the modem itself or the ISP.
So, how to tell if your modem is bad or it’s the ISP? You can look for these five signs.
Indicator Lights
Modems have several lights, and each has its function.
These lights show power on or off, Ethernet connections, LAN/WAN, and more.
There is also an indicator light that shows you the modem’s condition.
It is also known as the data transfer light that is on when you’re using the internet.
If this light turns off when you’re using the internet without any issues, this is one of the signs your modem is going bad.
Try to change the power socket once or twice to confirm if the problem is with the modem or not.
Slow Data Transfer
As we discussed with the indicator light that shows data transfer, there could be severe problems with the transfer speed.
Most of us use modems for higher speed, but if yours start to slow down all of a sudden, there could be complications with the modem.
Network traffic or difficulties with band allocation can cause slower data transfer.
Try to use the same modem for several days to see if it performs with the same slow speed or not.
Inconsistent Connection Speed
DSL modems that have inconsistent connection speeds are considered faulty.
This might be the issue if it takes a while to download something or when the movie keeps buffering.
One second, it works at total capacity; the next second, it has stopped entirely.
ISP often causes this issue. So, it would help if you talk with your ISP provider to figure out what could have gone wrong.
Too Much Sound
Suitable modems work quietly, while bad modems cause noisy problems and even make sounds while being connected to a telephone plug.
Thus, another sign of how to tell if your modem is dying is if your modem keeps making a humming-like noise.
Try to unplug and re-plug your modem to see if the sound is still there. If it does not go away, then your modem has indeed gone bad.
Modem Stops Functioning
The best way on how to tell if your modem is bad is when the modem stops functioning out of the blue.
Check the power cables first to see if there are any problems there.
Should the connections be okay, but your modem is still not working, then there’s a chance that your modem has gone bad.
In such cases, it’s better to replace the modem entirely than to have it repaired.
If you got this device from your ISP Company, then contact them before replacing it.
What Happens When a Modem Goes Bad?
If you have eliminated all possible reasons, such as device, outlet, and cord, and concluded that the main issue lies with your faulty modem, then there are several steps you can take.
As mentioned, you can try turning it off and back on a few times. Rebooting a modem can help it regain some functionality.
Since the modem is powered all the time, they need to have some breaks, which rebooting provides.
You can also try to connect your modem directly with an Ethernet cable.
If none of the above steps work, you have two options, repair or replace.
How Often Should You Replace Your Modem?
Electronic products work on a different rule than other products.
With most items, unless it has gone physically wrong, you don’t have to change it.
On the other hand, electronic products like modems depend on the internal gear more than the exterior surface.
Modems have a warranty of a few years, after which they will work less efficiently—some stop working before that, while others start showing signs of malfunctioning.
If the issue with the modem is minor and you can identify clearly which part has been damaged, you should get it repaired.
Modems that are zero to two years old work nicely after being fixed.
On the contrary, you should replace older modems and those which have stopped working altogether.
Repairing such modems will cost more than replacing them.
Also, older firmware is prone to malware risks than newer ones, so you should get it replaced.
It is better to replace your modem every three to five years to maintain better performance.
How Long Do Modem Routers Last?
How long is the modem lifespan? Most modems last from two to five years.
That said, the lifespan depends heavily on the modem quality, its components and technology, and how you maintain it.
Modems that are less than a year old going bad are rare cases. Usually, they start underperforming after three years.
Tips To Make Modem Routers Last Longer
Lousy maintenance can also lead to a decreasing lifespan, so it would be best to take care of your devices to last longer and work better.
Below are some ways to ensure your device reaches or even exceeds its modem lifespan.
- Use a Surge Protector
Some consider surge protectors as the most crucial step to shield their modems.
These devices manage the voltage amount that can pass through the modem.
During a voltage increase, it automatically blocks the voltage or reroutes it to the earth.
This way, your modem remains unburned and intact.
- Position Your Modem Properly
Always place your modem in an appropriate position. It should be near power outlets and a fiber optic source.
It should not be in tight spaces with no ventilation, places which get wet quickly, and have fluctuating temperatures.
Moist and humid places are also an absolute no.
You must also not put your modem in a place where it will get knocked down easily.
No electronics do well with bumping, and you should put devices that control your internet in a safer place.
Conclusion
Like any device, especially electronics, your modem might not reach its expected lifespan.
There are many reasons why it can go bad, such as external injuries that can impact its internal mechanisms.
Use the guide above on how to tell if your modem is going bad or has gone bad to help you determine the cause or if the modem is the problem.
You must also apply best practices to keep your router working for as long as or longer than expected.
Still, it’s best to have it replaced regularly and have a professional technician check your router once in a while.