Wireless router keeps on freezing every 2 days

Hi

About 2 months ago I got a TP-Link TL-WR1043ND and since then I had only problems with it.
In the first week the router froze 5-6 times, sometimes completely, sometimes only the wired connection dropped while the wireless connection was stable.

When I first tried to set up the router, I had to clone the MAC address and set it to Dynamic IP.
After that, connecting my wireless printer would always case my laptop to disconnect. So I had to reset the router and I used the IP binding option to bind my desktop, laptop and printer.

Even so, I got 4 dropouts in 4 days. The WLAN led simply turns off and I have to unplug the router and plug it back. However, every time I do this, if I have my laptop on, I get a IP conflict on my laptop yet the laptop remains connected so all I have to do is close the dialog box.

After the first week I sent the device to a repair center and 3 weeks later I got a new router, same hardware version and firmware.
Unfortunately, the problems are still there.

I noticed that if I chance the 'lease time' under DHCP server settings the stable period changes. For example if I set it to 2 hours, the router freezes after almost 1 day and if I set it to 2 days (max value) it stays stable for almost 2 days (30-40 hours).
However, I couldn't find any way to prevent it from freezing.

I tried contacting TP-Link 5 times via email, forum and support page and a few times over the phone, without any luck.
I also talked to my ISP, thinking is something I'm missing but they blame the router and told me to get a new one.

I asked a friend to test the router for me, since he already had a TP-Link and the router was stable for 30 hours or so. Unfortunately I wasn't able to let him test it any further since I had to take it back to the repair center. There, they blamed my PC/firewall/AV/drivers/network card etc.

Can you guys give me a hand here? Is it possible that this issue to be caused by my PC/firewall or drivers? Because as far as I could see it this seams to be a DHCP server and IP renewal problem and this makes me think this is either router related (mostly firmware issue) or ISP related.

Also, I didn't upgrade the firmware since TP-Link forum is full of threads reporting huge problems with the latest 2 firmware versions (the only ones available) and even complete bricking.

I would get a new router but I'm afraid I'll encounter the same problem if this is a system or ISP problem.

Here are the router details:

Model : TP-Link TL-WR1043ND
Hardware Version : V1
Firmware Version : 3.13.12 Build 120405 Rel.33996n

According to Bdart the only stable firmware is the Firmware Version : 3.13.12 Build 120405 Rel.33996n

TL-WR1043ND keeps dropping network connections/refuses connections after time..

If that doesn't work I would definitely consider using a different brand router as this one appears to be plagued with problems, there are endless threads about the same problem with this router.

Thanks.

Now I have to wait for the router to came back from the repair center and that's 2-3 weeks.

The problem is so far I avoided firmware upgrades not only in this case but for every device I have.
For some reason retailers here claim this will void the warranty they offer if you do this an will try to find any reason to refuse to take the product back for repair/replacement.

I assume there is a way to get back to the original firmware right?

Also, my question again: is it possible for this to happen due system drivers/firewall/AV software? I do find it hard to believe since a router is system independent and you basically don't install anything on your system that might cause conflicts.
However, it did work for my friend. or so it seams.

daydr3am3r said:

Thanks.

Now I have to wait for the router to came back from the repair center and that's 2-3 weeks.

The problem is so far I avoided firmware upgrades not only in this case but for every device I have.
For some reason retailers here claim this will void the warranty they offer if you do this an will try to find any reason to refuse to take the product back for repair/replacement.

I assume there is a way to get back to the original firmware right?

Also, my question again: is it possible for this to happen due system drivers/firewall/AV software? I do find it hard to believe since a router is system independent and you basically don't install anything on your system that might cause conflicts.
However, it did work for my friend. or so it seams.

Firmware updates are the only way to fix these types of problems it's standard procedure with routers. You need to use the one that works simple as that. The link I posted is the best chance besides just changing to a different router. So many complaints about this router wow!