Router Problem? Please help!

[PL_Kuba]

I have two comps networked togethers using Linksys router and dsl modem connected to this router. When I download something from the web, the download speed is very slow(when my dsl is connected to comp through the router), comparing to when I have my dsl connected directly to my comp. The download speed is like 5x faster. The other thing is when 2 comps are networked and everythink seems ok (I can connect to the internet, share the files over the network) for weeks, suddenly something goes bad and I have to plug dsl back, directly to the comp. (as I need the internet for school). I have to reinstall network again for this to work.
I suspect that there is something wrong with the router.
What do you think?
I appreciate your help. Thanks.

[Panama Red]

Not knowing how the internal settings on the router are configured makes me think you'd be best off returning to factory settings first. Try doing a hard reset. There should be a small port on the back of the router that you can insert a pen or straightened paper clip into. Do that while the router is powered up and it will reset. Then reconfigure the router. You can test your download speeds at pcpitstop.com to know specifically what the speeds are with and without the router in the circuit.

[PL_Kuba]

Thanks Panama_Red for the advice