Short Ver: had to get a new router, see title of post for new model

1. first used units default MAC address within 24 hr internet lost no IP address etc shown on unit.  rebooted both modem and router.
2. Cloned one of my Laptop's MAC address within 24 hr internet lost no IP address etc shown on unit.  rebooted both modem and router.

3.  Cloned my old Netgear Nighthawk MAC address within 24 hr. lost no IP address etc shown on unit.  rebooted both modem and router.

It should be noted that a cable from the modem to a devices is utilized to verify internt connectivity.  For some reason (I susspect some kind of lease release and renew failure) 

2 of the 3 times even after reboot of both devices internet is lost again from router.
rebooting just the modem does nothing; rebooting just the router failed too (tested this once thus far).
| found a post talking about flushing the MAC address from my modem.  (unplug cable, and power, replug in wait 3-5 min etc..etc..); still no joy.
some of the similar posts, suggested changing to the google DNS (I reconized the address), this too produced no joy.

I am to say the least, almost at my wits end and ready to return this unit.  I have never in my life had an such an issue where I have to repetedly have to reboot both the modem and router regulary and sometimes 2 times a day.  I am trying here before I cpntact support directly.

Of fruther note: most of the tags available for use do not match this post.