What to Know Before Replacing Your Router

Replacing a router can be straightforward, but it can also affect every device and service on a network.

First determine what the device actually does

Some environments use a single gateway for routing, firewalling, Wi-Fi and other functions. Others separate those roles.

Before replacing anything, identify what services the current device provides.

Check the dependencies

Look for DHCP, DNS, port forwarding, VPNs, Wi-Fi settings, guest networks, VLANs, static addresses and devices that depend on specific configuration.

A new router may work perfectly while breaking one of those less obvious requirements.

Know your provider requirements

Some Internet services have specific connection methods or equipment requirements. The provider connection should be understood before changing the local network.

Keep the old configuration available

Before making a change, document the existing settings. If something goes wrong, that information can be valuable.

Replace for a reason

A router should be replaced because there is a meaningful requirement: reliability, security, capacity, supportability or functionality.

If the current router is not the cause of the problem, replacing it may simply move the problem somewhere else.