Is my network actually at any risk? Should I take any steps now that I’m not receiving security updates? This was a really expensive router and I’m going back to school so I’m definitely not going to be in the market for a new one for quite a while. Probably wouldn’t be going back to tplink even if I did.
Thoughts?
Routers sometimes have security issues that need to be patched. You should keep an eye out for bulletins and make sure your endpoints have host-based security where they can (antivirus and firewalls).
This is a big fuck you from netgear though -why would you purchase another netgear router when they could just decide not to support the next model and force you to upgrade again for more money?
While I don’t disagree, how long should hardware vendors be required to support their products? I agree five years is probably too short, but there needs to be a limit to their liability.
Though in a perfect world, they’d open source their drivers well before then… Looking at you, Broadcom…
That router has been on the market for almost 10 years depending on the exact sub model OP has. That’s decent enough, imho - and most versions absolutely can still be used longer with OpenWRT.
(But I really hope the people don’t let their routers/firewalls run unlatched beyond EOL. That can get nasty)
For stuff like routers, I think 10 years is reasonable.
I use a Mikrotik router and they are solid with software support. I don’t know if they have an official support cycle, but their products typically get 10+ years of support. I’m never buying consumer grade crap again.