Okay, so this solved the issue for me. Could ber completely wrong because my fix isnt ipod/Iphone related, although the same proplems described above have happened to my ipod.
*Please note: Precedure will vary for other routers. These instructions are specific to Netgear DGN2000 Wireless-N Router with Built-in DSL Modem.
Step 1. Using your computer, log into your routers login/Manager page. my default login address is * http://192.168.0.1 *
Step 2. Under setup (on the left hand side) click Wireless Settings.
Step 3. In the first section under "Wireless Network" there is a sub-heading "Mode".
Select the desired wireless mode. The options are:
* g & b - Both 802.11g and 802.11b wireless stations can be used.
* g only - Only 802.11g wireless stations can be used.
* b only - All 802.11b wireless stations can be used. 802.11g wireless stations can still be used if they can operate in 802.11b mode.
* Up to 130 Mbps - Wireless stations that support up to 130 Mbps can be used, such as the WN511B. In this case, your router will transmit two streams with different data in the same channel at the same time.
* Up to 270 Mbps - Wireless stations that support up to 270 Mbps can be used, such as the WN511B. Your router will run in channel expansion mode to achieve 270Mbps. This mode will support 40MHz or 20MHz bandwidth. The router will transmit data with expansion or no expansion frame by frame to avoid interference from other APs/clients data transmission.
The default is "Up to 130 Mbps", which allows all 11b and 11g wireless stations. The NETGEAR WN511B runs at 126 Mbps or 270 Mbps when accessing this router.
Mine was set on "Up to 270 Mbps" mode. the iPod/iPhone's do not support this mode very well.
THe best choice i found was the "Up to 130 Mbps" mode.
My iPod connected straight away and has worked perfectly with my hidden network.
Step 4. Be sure to save and apply your settings.
If this helps anyone, please post a reply. Interested to know if this is "one" solution to what could be one of many problems on this topic, actually works for others.
<3 Dallen :]
Best Answer
After doing a hardware reset as you said in your question, I think there's no option left but a broken antenna.
It's worth visiting Apple OR even better a local repair-man because if you get it repaired at Apple you pay at least 2 times as much.
Since it's a 4s you could consider looking around for a good deal for a new 5 or even 5s.