netgear wireless router acquiring network address

Why is my NETGEAR router not broadcasting?

I bought a NETGEAR router and I’m enormously frustrated with it. It works fine routing my modem’s internet connection, but the wireless function is shot. It will work, maybe for a few hours at a time, and then stop, seemingly of its own volition. Sometimes, even if the network is up, my laptop will have trouble connecting to it, ‘acquiring network address’ for hours. Can I save this thing, or should I return it to Fry’s with a ‘thanks for nothing’ look at the guy who helped me pick out the router?

If it works sometimes then the settings are fine but I suggest the unit has developed a fault so return it

router