Wifi cut out randomly, and we verified that the modem and wired connections through the router were functional. I called tech support, and they determined that it was a DHCP error. I was given these steps to repair the issue:
1. Fixation of DHCP server 2. Re-configure of Network 3. Assigning Valid IPs to devices 4. Router Setup
Then I was informed that they would help me for $150....
Is there any way I can solve this on my own? I'm googling like crazy, but half the help articles say "contact IT."
Wifi cut out randomly, and we verified that the modem and wired connections through the router were functional.
What firmware version do you have on the device?
A number is more useful than "the latest". (It may not be by the time people read this.) There can also be newer versions, or "hot fixes", that do not show up if you check for new firmware in the browser interface.
It might also help if you told people what the modem is in front of this router, if there is one. The model number could be useful. Is it, by any chance, also a router, with a set of LAN ports on the back?
The reason for asking is that a lot of people turn up here trying to put a router behind a modem that is also a router. That can complicate troubleshooting.
Then I was informed that they would help me for $150....
The bit about being asked to pay for support may be a scam. It sounds like you may have hit Google and rang a number you found there. If so, it almost certainly had nothing to do with Netgear.
Netgear itself does not provide paid for support. It farms that out to GearHead Technical Support.
Web searches can deliver results that scream "Netgear support" at the top but that turn out to be anything but. Using them can be dangerous, for your network and your bank balance.
New buyers can initiate a support call through MyNetgear.
If you login to mynetgear, can you see your router there?
Firmware: V1.2.0.88_1.0.1 (the latest at the time of writing)
As for tech support, I initiated contact through the netgear website, and then they had a technician call me. He walked me through pretty much everything I'd done before (power cycling everything, unplug/replug ethernet, etc.) and then walked me through how to check ipconfig. We have a lot of devices on the WiFi, and a bunch of them seemed to be trying to use the same IP address. Once the screen told me in was a DHCP error, I was told that a specialist needed to fix it, and then I was given the costs. I turned him down.
Anyway, after searching on a few forums, I ended up just ended up screenshotting my router name and pass to make sure I got it just right and doing a factory reset on the router and using the same info. For now, that is my solution.
For the future, I think I'm going to seek out if it's beneficial to have things that never leave the house (Roku, for example) have a static IP outside of the dynamic range (something I have very limited knowledge about, but I'm sure I can look through this community to learn more).
