Wireless router problems, might need new one?

[zonic505]

I have a Netgear 54 MBPS Wireless Router (WGR614) & it's been acting weird for a long time. After a random while or so, it'll stop working, so I'll have to unplug it for either a short while (about 5-10 minutes) or just leave it for a few hours & then plug it back in. It'll either work for a short while or for a few hours. It's getting annoying having to unplug it & plug it back in over & over again just so I can get the wireless internet working (I use the laptop (wireless) while there's a older 2000-ish computer which I don't like using (gets internet via wired ethernet cable that's connect to router, so both computers don't get internet) & when I try to download or watch something, it might stop working so I have to cancel & redownload/reload the page again.

Is there a solution to this? If not, what are some good cheap Wi-Fi adapters? It needs to have an extra ethernet port for my dad's computer. It would also be nice if it was Wii-compatible (I have to lug my 20" TV out to the dining room so I can hook my Wii up to the internet via wired. My PSP & DS pick up the signal, but my Wii doesn't. Did, like twice a long time ago, but hasn't since then).

[ranatalus]

do you do a lot of downloading/uploading? if so, it's probably just locking up. newer routers seem to have less ram in them for some reason (probably cost)

regardless i'd look at the manufacturer's website for newer firmware (maybe they improved it). if you have a lot of traffic going on constantly (like torrenting) you may want to consider investing in a "gamer" router

[zonic505]

I tend to download some episodes of anime sometimes, but about a few times a week. I never torrent. Sometimes the internet will be fine almost all day (like yesterday) but sometimes it'll last for less than a hour at a time.

I can't find anything about firmware (at least for my model)....

[ranatalus]

firmware updates should be pretty simple. have you ever signed in to the router to change settings like setting up a password

if not, it's possible someone else is stealing your internet and that's why it randomly goes slow/locks up, haha

[zonic505]

Nah, the wireless internet wouldn't reach that far (we're in the country where there's hardly anyone. Closest people are amish & some other people who don't have a computer). I'm going to e-mail Netgear & see if they can help me.

[WiLLiSTER]

Your problem sounds identical to the issue I used to have with our router except mine wasn't wireless. We bought a new one and the problem was fixed..

[zonic505]

Well, doesn't seem like Netgear is going to send me a reply. Guess I might as well start looking for routers.

I need one where another computer can hook up to it while still being Wi-Fi.