Out of Pod Experience

Hello all Networking guru's out there!

I need some help please!

I have a small 2 computer network at home connected together with a netgear router; which is then connected to a broadband DSL modem so as to reach the outside world.

Comp 1:

Intel 2500
8gb Ram
Win 7

Comp 2:

AMD Sempron 3400+
1gb Ram
Win XP

All updates applied on both machines, running Kapersky


Most of the time things are working ok (aside from cable being stolen causing major interruptions 'til it is replaced).

However, occasionally I suddenly get a massive amount of ping request timeouts resulting in disconnects. I usually end up arguing with my ISP for a week or 2 before the problem gets resolved. They seem adamant that I'm NOT supposed to be using a router, but instead to dedicate a separate line to each computer?!?!?!

At this time, I'm running a continuous ping to my ISP and getting a steady pattern of

Reply from xxx.xx.x.xx bytes=32 time=23ms TTL-118 (10 times)
Request timed out. (13 times)

This pattern repeats itself.

I run a continuous ping between my machines and get a steady <1ms reply.


I have called the ISP and they sent a tech out who said my landline needed replacing, who then called their subcontracter who replaced my line. Same problem still. I called the ISP back back and they tell me they will conduct remote line testing (????).

It seems to me that my router is working ok, but somehow....my router and the gateway are having issues.

I would appreciate any insight on what the problem could be, so that I am better informed when I call my ISP back.


Addendum:
I have tried plugging my computer (main) directly into the modem and there are no connectivity issues. However, I do notice that the IP address (last 3 digits) is different when I do that.