Network "Times Out"

[bschears]

Howdy folks,

Here's the deal...I have an IBM laptop and an Imac desktop. As of late I have been able to browse the internet uninterrupted...that is until I go to download anything. When I go to Youtube or even try to download updates on either computer it gets part way through the download (or view with Youtube) and simply slows down to a halt. I can't figure it out.

I am on a wireless network using a belkin router and cable internet. Using my laptop (pc) I ran ipconfig and had an error. I unplugged from the router and ran directly to the cable modem and ipconfig worked great. I hooked the wireless router back up again but unfortunately the bliss only lasted for a few days. I'm back to square one again with no download/update/video capabilities. Any thoughts? (Keep in mind I'm a relatively novice tech person and need pretty explanations...lol) :p Thanks in advance. :)

[bassman]

Had your system been working fine before and this is something that just started happening? Is this the same on both PC and Mac? Do simple page loads seem to take a little longer or are they loading quickly? Are there times of the day when this seems most relevant? Have you tried a shut down/restart of your modem itself?

Yea, I know. Way more questions then you asked :D ;)

[bschears]

Oddly enough my systems were working perfectly fine before this. Same on both PC and Mac. I think I do notice a slight slowing in the page loads, but honestly I'm not sure if there is or I'm imagining it! :D I've restarted the modem and router separately and multiple times with no noticeable change. I honestly haven't visited the idea that certain times of the day are better or worse. I'm home in the evenings and haven't tried during the day or morning. I'll give that a shot and see if that will help answer your question. Any thoughts?

[bassman]

Kinda pushing on one topic here but, when you restart the modem and router, do you leave them both off for more then a full minute (preferably about 5)? Then let the modem fully restart/acquire before plugging in the router? Then let the router fully restart/acquire before turning on either machine? These are rather important steps.
Another thought is that someone else is using your bandwidth. Since you are on cable, it is not likely this will affect your performance, unless someone is using your connection for some very heavy throughput.
Another thought is your ISP is having infrastructure problems. Give them a call and ask for a line test. They can do it remotely. If they do not find a problem, then request a tech visit. You might also ask any neighbors who have the same ISP if they experience similar problems.
Another thought is malware. Since both machines are having identical problems, and one is a Mac, I think that is low on the "Things to look at" list.

All I can think of at the moment ;)