Hi, I know many people have had this problem. Basically my connection will drop out randomly and sometimes it reconnects automatically and other times I have to manually reconnect to the network. It gets frustrating. I have gone back and looked through some of previous questions and this is what I have done:
1.Power cycled the router.
2.Upgraded the firmware.
3.Checked if authenticate IEEE 802.1x was enabled (It's not.)
4.Changed the wireless channel.

I am using a Compaq Presario V2000 and running Windows XP. My router is a Linksys WRT54G V.4. I am using WPA (AES) encryption for the network. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Hi -Welcome to PCHF

I am no wireless expert.
But you are not alone
Their firmware is apparently Linux-based-- nothing wrong with that... but apparently there are many versions now online. Trouble is ...using open-source firmware could be risky.
You can freeze (brick) the router -- whether it's permanent or not --I don't know.

Tomato Firmware | polarcloud.com

Recover from a Bad Flash - DD-WRT Wiki

The Open Source WRT54G Story

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I thought I downloaded my firmware from linksys, but I reinstalled it. Actually while I searched for the firmware, I found this page. v4.21.1 of Linksys WRT54G Firmware is Bad - Wireless Routers - Linksys Community Forums
There have been many reports that my version firmware (4.21.1) is bad and randomly blocks all internet connection to all devices on it. Should I revert back to the version before, get a new router, or what?

Personally-- if it was me -- I would consider a new router.
Google produces (too) many complaints about that unit for my taste.

I don't do wireless personally-- but I have a D-link ( DGL 4100)-- it is Rock-solid. Never a problem.

D-Link Wireless Networking

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Hmm, I might get a new router. I've had this one for about 2 years. I'll go with either D-Link or Belkin Wireless G routers, unless any of those routers have had any problems...

choose the models you are looking at...
Google search for the model reviewed.
or for problems.... but bear in mind that the ones with problems post a lot more often

In my opinion-- you can't go wrong with D-link.
The DGL 4300 looked good

Altgamer™ : D-Link DGL-4300 Router

D-Link DGL-4300 Wireless Router Review

if online gamers love it...

and Newegg buyers--
Newegg.com - D-Link DGL-4300 IEEE 802.3/3u, IEEE 802.11b/g Wireless Gaming Router - Retail

is it a litlle pricey ? sure-- but you get a reliable connection

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Sorry I wasn't more specific. I was looking at:

Belkin - Wireless-G Router with 4-Port Switch - F5D7230-4

D-Link - RangeBooster G Wireless Router - WBR-2310

I was looking at something like a 1/2 and a 1/3 of that D-Link gaming router. Though if I do have to move up in price range to get reliability, I'll consider it. Speed is really not my concern, only if it won't drop a connection.

The ratings at Best Buy are not that hot for that D-link or that Belkin... about half said they worked OK.

The reason I recommend the 4300-- is that my 4100 is about 4-5 years old-- and I have never lost my connection due to the router...
Online Gamers hate losing their connection -- ask one.
Probably number one gripe.

You chose what you want-- but I'd rather buy good once, than bad twice or three times.

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Alright. I play online on my Wii and I also hate it when I lose connection in the middle of something. I'll consider my options. Thanks for your help.

Hey -- this place has a "router advisor" based on what you want-- maybe you can find a better fit for you without sacrificing quality. I tried it-- seems pretty decent.
Worth a shot
Home Network Router Advisor - Choose the Best Wireless Router

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Thanks. I tried it and this is what I got.

1.Netgear WGR-614 (compare prices) Score: 127
2.Linksys WRT54G (compare prices) Score: 124
3.D-Link DI-624 (compare prices) Score: 122
4.Belkin F5D8230-4 (compare prices) Score: 92
5.D-Link DI-514 (compare prices) Score: 73

Of course my router comes up as number 2 lol.

I looked at reviews for the first one (Netgear WGR-614). The reviewer gave it good-average ratings and consumers gave mixed reviews... Reviews didn't help too much.