Is my router dying?

[Sovereign]

Lately, my router has been semi-randomly dropping wireless connections from both my laptop (Dell Inspiron E1505 w/default wireless) and my dad's laptop (Dell Latitude, don't know the model, but it uses Intel PROSet wireless). Both computers have the most up-to-date drivers available. By "semi-random" I mean that it seems that during certain periods of the day, the router goes nuts and the only way to fix the problem is to unplug the router, wait a few seconds and plug it in again.

Sometimes, the failures occur during other times (random part) and on weekends it is really bad. I have confirmed that the settings of the router are correct. The existing setup has worked fine for years, after I finally figured out the right settings that is. However, I always seem to come back to "Limited or No Connectivity" errors. Further, there seems to be a correlation between my Nintendo Wii logging on and specifically my laptop losing its connection.

The router is a Linksys BEFW11S4. It is at least three years old. What would you suggest I buy if this router is on the fritz?

[kenc51]

Try changing the wireless channel(s).

[KnightRid]

Try changing the wireless channel(s).

I second that one - sounds like interference to me - but i dont know a whole lot ;)

Mike

disable SSID broadcast while you are in there also. Just make sure to remember the name you used for ssid because you will have to manually enter it for new connections.

and dont forget to change the channel on all your computers too - some might automatically do it, but I doubt they will.

[Darkstar]

I would pick up a new router since they are getting fairly cheap these days, and the one you have is kind of obsolete. ( that is the B only)
It can be a hassle when connections start dropping and a real pain if it decides to quit some night when you really need it.