Been using DD-WRT for a couple years now, it fixed my WiFi dropouts.
Here's a direct link to your firmware:  ftp://ftp.dd-wrt.com/others/eko/BrainSlayer-V24-preSP2/2013/07-24-2013-r22118/tplink_tl-wr1043nd/

Here's the last large thread for the 1043ND:  http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=86533

v22118 has been the most stable version. but there are still bugs for some units.

There are various 1043 VERSIONS:  http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Supported_Devices#TP-Link

The wikis are not kept up to date, nor are the details of the support list.Computer_Commando
Thank you. You and the OP have done one of the best threads here  on CH. Switching to a third-part firmware seems odd, but whatever works is OK. Glad I followed  this post and learned something new. 


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DD-WRT

Some routers actually ship with a version of DD-WRT, i.e. Buffalo.  So there is some funding there.
It's probably LESS expensive for a MANUFACTURER to use DD-WRT, than to use their own firmware.
They primarily support most all Atheros & Broadcom chipsets.  There is no support for others.
DD-WRT Forum is quite active, but not well moderated & is BECOMING more of a peer-to-peer forum.

Given all the issues with poor router firmware, I would never purchase a model that wasn't supported.Somewhat of a necrobump.
The problem has come back..
All the pictures given in the all the posts once again apply.

It's quite the odd anomaly really, seeing as I was still using the DD-WRT third party software..
Switched back to my regular one which hasn't cured the problem either.
Any tips are, as always, welcome.

Regards;
OnceUponATime