WiFi Constantly Dropped / New Router?

I've had a Netgear WGT624 router for a while now and I recently started using its wireless. The problem I'm having is that whenever I use the wireless heavily, it drops and the router requires a reboot. I checked Amazon buyers' reviews on this router, and it looks like it's a common problem. So it sounds like it's time for a new router.

However, before I buy a new router, I thought I'd ask and see if there was possibly a solution to this problem? Like maybe some setting I need to adjust.

And if it's time for a new router, can I get some suggestions? Should I try to find an "N" router?

 

What counts as "a while now"?

 

A few years. Maybe around 6-7, give or take a few.

 

Do you have the latest firmware in the router?

 

Yeah, I actually updated it yesterday, but it didn't make a difference.

 

Browsing the reviews on Amazon, I came across this suggestion:

"you probably need to set you cable or DSL modem to Bridged Ethernet mode and turn off DHCP in your modem"

Would either of those help?

 

Heavy wireless use really heats up units. Is the router in the open or is it stuffed in some covey hole? Are you using WPA(2) AES security? Is the SSID being broadcasted in the clear, not hidden?

I'm a firm believer is single units. I use a 8port wired router w/ a 16 port gigE switch and 2 routers setup as AP. 1 for me and 1 for my son. We are even on different networks. I like the Buffalo HP hardware with dd-wrt firmware. The dd-wrt firmware brings stability, added features and speed. I just read on smallnetbuilder that Buffalo will be using dd-wrt firmware on 3 11n wireless routers. The VPN endpoint meaning you can connect to the router and have full access to your network.

 

Sorry for the late reply. Yeah, it is inside this metal box where all the CAT5 cables from our house meet up. And yes security is on and it's clear broadcast.

So here's something funny. I followed that guy's advice from Amazon and turned off DHCP, and the router hasn't crashed for about an hour now (usually it was 2-3 minutes). I'm not too familiar with all these settings, so I'm not sure what that means, and I'm not sure if it's good to turn off either (router's settings page advises against it,) but no crashes...

 

What are you connecting your router to. If another router, then yes turning off DHCP will allow the main router to issue IP's. If connected to lal port and not wan. With DHCP off you will need to setup a static setup which can be a pita if you have a nb that you carry around.

 

Well we have the Comcast modem which is connected to this router.
And I misspoke when I said everything worked with DHCP off, because there were some problems with another computer on the network. Judging from your post, I imagine I'd have to fiddle with the settings every time I want to use a new WiFi device on the network, or reintroduce my notebook to it, and that is the reason I started that new thread asking for advice on a new router.

 

What is comcast using for modems? I thought they switched to a combo modem/router unit.

 

Well, like the router, it's 6-7 years old. Some old Motorola.