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A Possible Cause
A computer on your network may be infected with malware. Malware [for malicious software] is any program or file that is harmful to a computer user. Thus, malware includes rogue applications like computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and also Spyware.

Spread via the Internet, certain kinds of ROOTKIT based Malware have became more effective in causing disruption and are easily propagated especially via clients that exploit Peer To Peer network usage [like emule, kazaa, morpheus, winmx, BitTorrent - Azureus, Shareaza, eDonkey etc.]. Many Wireless Routers are affected by malware that open more TCP/IP connections than the routers may be able to handle. When this happens, the router is not able to process traffic normally and drops Network connection.

You should do the following to perhaps help solve this annoying problem:

• Peer To Peer [P2P] clients like BitTorrent - Azureus [Vuze] Good settings have connection options —where you need to limit the number of peer connections; the client lets you set the maximum number of connections for each torrent as well as globally. Contact the manufacturer of your Router/Access Point and find out the maximum number of TCP/IP connections your hardware will handle —then adjust your P2P client's global peer connection limits to handle no more than 50% of the maximum limit your Router allows.
• Purchase a virus protection program like ESET NOD32 Antivirus + AntiSpyware 
• Update the virus/spyware definitions on a daily bases by utilizing [enabling] auto-updates scheduling.
• Have the antivirus/spyware application auto-scan all files on your computer at least once each day. Delete or repair infected files that the anti-virus application identified as a problem and was not able to clean/delete.
• Your virus/spyware protection needs to remain on, scanning all incoming files
• Make sure to set your virus program to scan all incoming and outgoing e-mail.
• Do not leave ports in the 130s and 140s open, unless being used. By default these ports are closed if your using a firewall. These ports would not be open unless you explicitly opened them, for example through a DMZ server or by port forwarding.
• Make sure that each and every computers utilizing your wired/wireless network under your control are properly protected against malware.

You should also do the following:

• Windows users should install all the latest critical updates. Critical updates are often released only a few days apart, so to be safe, make going to the Microsoft updates site one of your weekly tasks.
• If you do not have a router with a built-in firewall you should get one. (Windows XP comes with a firewall.) A hardware firewall does offer much greater performance advantages.
• If you have a hardware firewall router, turn off the Windows XP firewall. (Windows may have turned it on without your knowledge.)
• If you have a portable computer, it should be protected by a firewall at all times.

Other considerations that also may negatively impact your wireless 802.11b/g wireless router:

• 4 Wireless Amigos
• Belkin F5D8235-4 [N+]
• Linksys WRT600N
• D-Link DIR 855
• Buffalo WZR-AG300NH
• Metal framing, UV film, metallic paint, Wii gamming controllers, Bluetooth devices, baby monitors, garage-door openers, cordless phones and microwave ovens may conflict with your wireless router — changing the transmit channel in router has helped some users.
• Other wireless networks in close proximity — changing transmit channel in router has helped some users.
• The routers firmware [operating system that controls the wireless router] may be incompatible with how P2P clients interact [via Radio Frequency] causing loss of connectivity - until the firmware maker resolves this issue stop using the P2P client. FYI, re-engineering firmware is not a trivial exercise.
• Unstable hydro [electricity] may cause your wireless router to reboot unexpectedly — acquire a UPS [Uninterruptible Power Supply] to provide stable clean power.
• There may be a host of other issues to numerous to mention that may require you to hire experts like IT-Expert on Call to Troubleshoot.

For vastly improved resistance to wireless interference IT-Expert on Call suggests switching to wireless routers like the 4 Wireless Amigos that incorporate MIMO technology antenna and chipset design —MIMO for Multiple Input Multiple Output is a smart radio technology that increases speed, coverage, and reliability for wireless systems. Its design helps combat distortion and interference so the Router can send its data streams farther, and more reliably.

Item of Interest: Windows XP Bedevils Wi-Fi Users

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