Linksys router losing configuration

Good Morning Everyone,
I have a question regarding a Linksys WRT54G that has been in service for several years without any problems, until now. The router has wireless and ethernet connections. One of the ethernet connections is to another access point in another area of the building to provide wireless to areas not reachable by the main router. The router is connected to the DSL bridge through a switch; on the switch is another Linksys router, an RVS4000, that serves the VPN for a server that is here as well as a VOIP business telephone. Other items on the WRT54G are a Vonage VOIP telephone (personal use), my main home office PC, etc.

Lately, for reasons unknown the WRT54G just loses it's ability to pass through data, either wired or wireless. Doing a hard reset (with the reset button on the back) and then reconfiguring the settings brings it back for 2 or 3 days and then the process repeats.

I'm wondering if the router is approaching end-of-life and should be replaced or if there could be some other factor. These routers are not expensive but I hate to replace it if there is some other reason for this behavior.

Thanks a lot for any thoughts; much appreciated.

--Bob Harris

Now that you mention it I recall reading articles about 3rd party firmware for these things. Which one are you using? That would be worth trying, I think.

Thanks.