Since I got connected to ADSL I have been through 11 routers. For some seemingly impossible to fathom reason, the router reaches a point where the line speed begins to degrade irreversibly. Even hard resetting the device makes no difference, only a new router will help. Take the latest situation where my line speed had dropped to 5264kbps and nothing I or my ISP could do would increase the rate. The decline, as usual was gradual, losing about 100kb per week. Installing a brand new router (a Netgear DG834N) and immediately my line speed is back up at 8096kbps. Magic. Unfortunately I know the netgear is doomed to the same fate as its brethren in 6 or so months. I make a point of always buying a different router, so I’ve had representatives from all major brands on the market. Changing cables makes no difference and the reversion to normal working has no input from BT or my ISP, so it can only be that the router wears out and has become my latest consumable.
