Working Routers:
Linksys WRT54GL or WRT54G Revision 2 or lower running DD-WRT. Running the stock Linksys firmware will most probably still have the problem, and upgrading the WRT54G Rev 3 or higher can be problematic. Just a few $ more for a GL when buying new!
Linksys RV042
DLink DI-655
Top Global MB6800
Routers that give you problems with dropouts:
Anything from Belkin
Apple Airport Extreme
...
Other common steps taken to resolve problems is to change your Internal IP Address range from 192.168.1.x to something else. You can use any private network range including 10.x.x.x or 172.16.x.x - 172.31.x.x or 192.168.x.x.
I always recommend to most people to purchase a Linksys WRT54GL. As they are good quality routers and when loaded with DD-WRT I have yet to have a problem with one of them. The steps you need to take to upgrade a WRT54GL with the stock Linksys firmware to DD-WRT:
Steps for guarenteed working "no periodic dropout" and "no need to reboot router" internet access unless there is something physically wrong with your cable modem or cable connection:
1) Buy WRT54GL from Ascent, (I don't work for them, but their prices are fair, and it's free delivery!)
2) Download the Mini and Standard versions of DD-WRT Version 2.4 from the DD-WRT site.
3) Wait for router to turn up, and unbox and plug in (don't bother with the included CD), connect from laptop / desktop to wired (not wireless) connection, have DHCP enabled on your PC, if you have a static IP address for TCL Cable, write those numbers down!
4) Browse to router at http://192.168.1.1 login with User=admin Password=admin (default for Linksys firmware) and firmware upgrade to DD-WRT with the MINI version first. This is VERY IMPORTANT that you upgrade to MINI first, as the stock linksys firmware doesn't support images larger than 3MB, and the Standard DD-WRT is 3.6MB, if you update to the Standard before MINI you will BRICK your router, and need to recover it using the TFTP.
5) Wait for router to reboot, then login to http://192.168.1.1 logging in this time with User=root Password=admin (default for DD-WRT) and upgrade from Mini to Standard firmware (since you can upgrade to 4MB images as the WRT54GL has a 4MB flash with DD-WRT loaded), also select "reset to factory defaults" as part of firmware upgrade.
6) Wait for reboot and browse to http://192.168.1.1 again and change to static IP, plug in your TCL static IP plus the Paradise DNS servers (203.96.152.4 & 203.96.152.12).
7) Change Wireless Network name, and enable WPA2 or at the very least WPA since WEP or No Encryption is asking for trouble! Otherwise disable wireless all together!!
8) And you are done, remember the days that you had random dropouts from your TCL internet connection..
Other extra things you could do:
I like turning on the Enable / Disable wireless with Quick Setup Button, this means that you can with the quick setup button on the front of the router enable or disable your wireless, good if you want to stop people snooping when you are away at work. You can also by default have the wireless turned off when you boot, then turn it on with the quick setup button. Nice feature.
I am happy to configure anyones WRT54GL if they feel uncomfortable with the steps above.