Basic Internet Connectivity And Modem Help

[ASF1111]

I have been experiencing problems with webpages loading over the past two hours. I use Firefox and I get this message:

The connection has timed out
      
      
      
      
      
        
        
          The server at forums.comcast.com is taking too long to respond.
        

        
        

  The site could be temporarily unavailable or too busy. Try again in a few
    moments.
  If you are unable to load any pages, check your computer's network
    connection.
  If your computer or network is protected by a firewall or proxy, make sure
    that Firefox is permitted to access the Web.

It has been happening with numerous websites. Also I have been intermittingly having my connection go from the usual 'local and internet' to 'local only' for about 20 secs at a time.

[EG]

So you are kind of having the same issues as you were here ?;

http://forums.comcast.com/t5/Connectivity-and-Modem-Help/Rather-slow-download-speeds-with-Performanc...

[ASF1111]

No, pages were loading then even though the connection was slow, but I think that the cause may be the same: the Netgear router. I am beginning to think it is a piece of junk, or maybe it has gone defective. I connected the computer straight to the modem and the problem stopped. So, I am done with this router and will be looking for a new one. Sorry to post before testing things out fully  

[EG]

Sounds like a plan. Hope that's it. Good luck !

[ASF1111]

Thanks, EG.