@Carol_in_PA 

That is not a normal issue we see from routers.

First I think I would try a factory reset and re-enter your settings. If you still have an issue, then disconnect all the wired connections from the router (Ethernet and USB if any) except the connection to the modem, power cycle the modem and router and see if you have the issue using just WIFI. If good, add one Ethernet device at a time and test. Then add any USB devices one at a time and retest. 

Also be sure you are using the power adapter that came with the router.

If that does not fix it, a call, chat, or email to TP Link support.

@ArcherC8 Hi just wanted to provide an update - I used the chat service last night and we changed the channel number and channel width on both the 2.4 and 5 wireless settings. We also changed the WAN primary & secondary DNS settings. After the changes no more drops so I am hoping this solves the  issue!  In my testing, I found that it was the router since I only have 1 computer wired to it that lost service along with all the wireless clients. When I wited the computer directly to the modem, it worked fine. But i think i'm ok for now, so many thanks to the support folks!