Strange router problem

[andygo]

I use a Netgear router connected directly to my pc to access the net. My 2 laptops connect wirelessly to the net. All use Windows 7. Wirelessly the router connects without any problems at all.

However, my main pc intermittently drops its connection. If I move the ethernet cable to another of the 4 ports on th erouter, it connects pretty much instantly and remains connected sometimes for days, sometimes for a minute.
When the connection drops out, the small 'monitor' iconshows an exclamation mark, although the green bars showing wireless conectivity are fine. After a few miiutes, or sometimes seconds, the connection rstores itself with no input from me.

Tried all sorts, but to no avail. Driving me a bit potty, which is a pity for the family!

[sunbeam_alpine]

Have you tried a different cable?

[andygo]

No. Too obvious for me.

[FourWheelDrift]

Is it just the Internet you lose or does the LAN light for the port you are using also go out?

[fivesixseven8]

Try looking to see if it is switching between Public/Private network identification. I had a similar problem in Vista where it would constantly switch between the two.

[convert]

Try setting the Speed / duplex of your wired LAN card to either 100Mb/Full or 10Mb Full. (It's probably set to auto) this might fix the issue.

[Man-At-Arms]

put a regular switch inbetween the pc and router

sounds like the routers built-in switch has an intermittent fault