Lo all, I have run a search or two for my problem, but couldn't find anything similar, and the way things are going it seems maybe more then old tattered network cards (perhaps). For about the past month, I have experienced bizare ping issues on our home network. The server, used by my brother has Windows 2000, can't remember the edition at the moment. He does also use it for web work... some heavy gaphics with photoshop, but no gaming really. But onto the ping issue (I think it's a ping problem), my connection on the internet is up and down all over the place, all the time from what I can gather. Going to www.download.com and other donwload sites, I have tried downloading a variety of file types, all leading to an average of 20k, up to 30k at BEST. We have an ADSL 512/256 modem, and has ALWAYS since we brought it given us 60k downstream, and 30k upstream on average. Also, when I played loads of different streaming services, like video and music on the internet, it often rebuffers with nothing else running. Where as before I could play Counter-Strike (For Example) with the ADSL radio format play no problem at all. Since I remember, my brother has had a variety of internet services constantly accessing on his Zone Alarm firewall; No-IP, some ICS windows thing I think, and the usual background services.... surely this isn't the cause, since it wouldn't consume enough, nor would it just occur out of nowhere. I thought I fixed it when I got rid of my Trend Micro Firewall, and changed to Sygate. Now though, I have it deactivated and it's STILL happening. When I play Counter-Strike, it is not an issue, but when with music on the internet, and Ultima Online (Which I just started playing again right now) is constantly suffering... and I can't put up with it any longer! Thanks for any help you give, because it's becoming quite frustrating! .... once again my story messages are unavoidable, but it all seems relevant to ensure best answer results ^_^ Renamon, If You Lose I'm Going To Be Very Vexed...

I hope people allow double posting, cause i just run some tests, which could be of some use ~_~ I run a simple ping on the host computer... 4 packets being sent, one was timed out, 25% loss. 10 packets, around the same amount. Then I tried 30 packets... 26% loss, the request time outs at any rate were exremely synchronous with the longest 1/2 second lag spots whilst running around in Ultima Online. I guess your're going to tell me check the correct protocols are installed and configuration setup properly, check the latest drivers, and if all else fails buy a new network card? The network card I got, I received ages ago when doing work experience... so who knows whats it been through at that company. Updates seem to be flowing out for it still though.... and I have been keeping up, but I'll check the protocols... it doesn't seem like theres enough in the list, lol. I'll keep you posted ^_^ Renamon, If You Lose I'm Going To Be Very Vexed...

PLEASE tell me if im doing something terribly wrong posting 3 times, but it is my computer! I hoped it wouldn't be... There are 2 computers connected to the server (my brothers computer) using Ethernet and Cat-5 cables, the usual junk btw. I pinged each computer from different computers. The Host and the family computer can talk to each other perfectly... but when it comes to me it hits 20-40 loss, due to 'request timeouts' or something. I can't see this being a hardware issue for some reason... but still, thankyou for reading, and hope to hear from you guys! Renamon, If You Lose I'm Going To Be Very Vexed...