internet speed changing

We have cable internet (knology), microsoft mn50 router running 3 pc's. Internet speed is supposed to run at 2-3mbps on downloads, but is actually only about 700kbps (on one pc) All 3 pc's are running slower than ever online. We called ISP & they had us remove router & go directly from 1 pc to modem. Both download/upload speeds incr'ed to normal. When I reinstalled router to all computers, the speed was normal at first, then decr'ed again. Thought it was connections at first (disabled all firewall's otherthan Window's XP firewall). Our router is approx. 2 yrs. old. Can the router be the sole cause of this problem? If I purchase a new one, do I need to look for a speed on router? Suggestions? Thanks so much, Chuck

 

We changed router and all speeds are 3.5mbps Thanks anyways Chuck

 

You should only use one firewall on each of your computers. Windows firewall really isnt a "firewall" it only protects your from incoming connections(maybe outgoing forgot which one!) and can easily be disabled by hackers(well used too dont know if it was patched)

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