Porto

Over the past month my router has been dropping it's signal, disconnecting my computer along with every other WiFi device from the internet. Sometimes my internet speed dips significantly downward, and the WiFi signal strength indicator (on the bottom right of the task bar. Windows 7) goes down to 2-3 bars even though the router is literally in the next room over from mine.

If a new router is the way to go, do you have any suggestions/personal preferences as to what type/brand? My own personal preference to the question: 802.11n is a standard that I'd be shooting for.

Additional Information:

-It is a Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router. Model Number: WRT54G2 V 1

-The router is 8 years old. (Now that I think about it, that age should have been my first indication of getting a new router in the first place)

-My internet does occasionally go out. I live out in a more rural area, but my internet speed is on average 9Mbps Down and 0.9 Mbps Up.

Some time ago, my ISP sent over a technician to replace my modem which was fried during a power outage. I wasn't home at the time of repair/replacement(long story, but my parents' friend handles our shared internet when problems arise. They contact the ISP and the like).

Yesterday, I go in and see the new modem, our old router, and another device I have never seen before. It's labeled "Cisco VPN Router". I'm confused as to what this device is for. I know VPNs are virtual private networks and that they encrypt outgoing data for added security, but I've never seen a "VPN Router".

I'm just wondering if it does the same as stated above.

Added Information: The internet line coming in from outside is directly connected to the VPN Router, which is then daisy-chained to the modem, and sequentially to my router.

I'm an IT major, currently attending college, and about to obtain my A+ Certification this summer. I'm usually "hip" to all computer-related gizmos, but I haven't encountered this thing before.

Thanks for any help. :)