I have a Surfboard 6580. Periodically - every month or two - it loses its ability to transmit wirelessly and has to be "reset" by unplugging it from the wall outlet. The wired connections continue to work despite no Wi-Fi.

I doubt there's anything wrong with your router that would require you to replace it.

Maybe there could be a creative way for your neighbors to remotely reset the router by shutting off power to it, and then turning the power back on. Maybe something as basic as a long extension cord running out of your home that could be unplugged/plugged in at a neighbors - or maybe there's a more elegant way.

Jim.