Firmware Update Hell
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It all began with wireless channel drop offs which grew increasingly more frequent and ended with network latency out the yin yang.
First, I checked out the projected EOL for the hardware in place.
The technical data stated projected end of life after 5 years. We typically run desktop PCs a maximum of 4 years before they are considered to be needing replacement.
I curbed a lot of that with the purchase of a nice set of matching cooler master cases into which I install new equipment MOBO, CPU, Memory, peripherals, adapters, etc with the machine looking the same but effectively given totally new upgraded functional parts.
So ... with my 6 year old router refurb unlikely on my end I investigated my replacement options and found several newer models that would certainly fit the bill.
Then I read troubleshooting data for the router itself and found that most of my problems were being habitually suffered by those using the same make and model. I also noticed that the most effective solution for adding years to the equipment was to stick to older firmware revisions as the company is always looking to sell services and will sacrifice finite hardware resources toward that end.
After restoring a revision at a critical juncture just prior to the commencement of my various annoyances I find the functionality has improved by leaps and bounds.
I'm not saying that I've added years, or even that this is a long term fix. I just know I'm going to give it a try prior to blowing another $500 on yet another large home networking model.
We'll just have to see; but I'm glad I did the research prior to taking another big ticket plunge.