Hello,
I used to have one of these routers. I had to perform a (electrolytic) cap replacement overhaul due to similar problems as those reported. Another symptom of failing caps in these is that one or more of the lan ports will only sync at 10 instead of 100.
If you are handy with a soldering iron (or know someone who is) then this is an easy fix.
I would recommend using quality high temperature rated, low ESR replacements (I use and recommend these:- Panasonic FC, FM or FR, Chemicon KY, Rubycon ZL,ZLH, ZLG, ZLJ and Nichicon HD,HM or HN series.)
The other thing to note is that Netgear routers (no experience of their modern stuff) run hot.
I've seen some routers of this vintage fitted with cooling fans, heatsinks placed on the chips etc.
One indicative test of heat problems is to remove the router lid, connect & power up.. Now direct a desk fan into the case. If the fault disappears then you have a heat related problem..
Bodge99
