Wireless Router Dropping Signal

[pack22]

I have a 5 year old Linksys wireless router (G, I think) connected to a cable modem (that I replaced with today through my ISP in an attempt to fix this problem).

The problem: For 5 years I have had no connection issues but over the last 2 months the I can only maintain my internet connection for about an hour at a time on any device. The connection to the router is always present but the internet connection is lost. If I power down the modem and router then the connection returns for another hour. I have changed the wireless channel twice on the router but have done nothing else to the router in the last 5 years.

I'm ready to go buy a new router tomorrow but thought I'd ask for some advice before dropping the money on something that may not fix the problem.

Thanks!

[Philip]

Does the connection return if you only reboot the router ? (this may indicate a router issue)
Can you ping/traceroute the cable modem when this occurs ?

The wireless channel only affects your connection to the router, not necessarily your internet.

[pack22]

Thanks for the suggestion. I have not powered down only the router because they're both on the same power strip and it's easier to unplug the strip. I'll try your way and then the ping.

I have a Linksys WRT54GS v.5 wireless router. I did download the latest firmware last night and still lost the signal. However, after "rebooting" everything last night I have not lost the signal again. Not sure if this is firmware related or just luck so any additional suggestions would certainly be welcome.