Help with repeated operation timeouts

[ECLiPSE 2002]

I'm not sure if I have posted to the wrong newsgroup, but am
experiencing repeated operation
time outs when downloading multimedia files. These error messages are
almost routine now when I select a group of rar and par files to
download.

Here's what I am using:
Comcast cable at 4-6 mbps
Agent v. 1.92/32.572 newsreader
Astraweb as a usenet server
Windows XP
Netgear RP 114 router

I have contacted Astraweb and they claim there is no problem on their
end, and I can use Conmcast
for surfing and email for long periods and experience no time outs.

I am wondering if some configuration settings have unknowingly changed
or been corrupted with Agent
or with the router.

Would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions on what may be causing
these timeouts.

TIA, Frank