An unsupported router can keep working, but its security may not
A router does not stop connecting when updates end, but new security flaws may go unpatched. Check support for the exact model and hardware revision before deciding what to do next.
A router can keep connecting devices to the internet after its manufacturer ends firmware support, provided the hardware remains functional. But newly discovered security flaws may then go unpatched, leaving the device potentially exposed. End of support does not mean a router has been compromised or will immediately stop working.
Engadget advises owners to find the router’s exact model and hardware revision, then check the manufacturer’s support site for the latest firmware and any end-of-support notice. The revision matters: devices sold under the same model name can have different firmware.
Install any available manufacturer update and enable automatic updates if the router offers them. Owners should also disable remote administration and set a strong, unique administrator password.
OpenWrt and other custom firmware may extend support for some routers, but compatibility depends on the precise hardware revision. Installing incompatible firmware or following the wrong procedure could leave the router unusable.
There is no universal age at which a router is outdated. Netgear suggests considering replacement after four to five years, but Engadget presents that as guidance, not a fixed rule. If support has ended, owners can continue using the router while planning for a replacement.
