Netgear RP614 version1 question - when is it DEAD?

My problem started a month ago. Mail in and mail out would work normally
and then after a few minutes, they would not work. If I restarted my
computer, mail (in and out) would again start working for a short time and
BUT then stop working after a few minutes.



Then I discovered that my mail would work if I just disconnected my router.
It would work fine for 10 or so minutes, then the same error message
appeared.



The error message was "ERR Cannot connect to POP server 100.78.168.68
(100.78.168.68:110), connect error 10060"



I found out from my service provide - Adelphia - that this error message
refers to high security settings on my anti-virus and firewall programs. I
had not changed those settings but after trying my email without virus and
firewall programs "on" - I did not have the problem any longer.



Since I was using Black Ice as a Firewall and Avast for virus protection - I
though I would try the ZoneAlarm Suite as it received excellent ratings from
ZDnet and elsewhere.



Now, the only problem that still happens is I get "unable to connect"
errors - but not the "ERR" message above when the second computer connected
to my router is also "on".



I am wondering if the router is "on its way to not working correctly" and
needs to be replaced. It has out-lasted one cable modem (about 4 years).



Thank you for any help you may be able to provide.



Sincerely,

Tom