A router will keep connecting devices to the internet after its manufacturer stops issuing firmware updates, provided the hardware still works. The concern is security: newly discovered flaws may go unpatched, leaving the router increasingly vulnerable over time, although lack of updates does not mean it has already been compromised.

Check the support status for your exact model and hardware revision on the manufacturer’s website, install any available updates and enable automatic updates if possible. Netgear suggests reviewing replacement plans around the four-to-five-year mark, but this is not a fixed lifespan; meanwhile, disable remote administration and use a strong, unique admin password. Custom firmware such as OpenWrt may extend support for some routers, but installing an incompatible version can make the device unusable.