Windows update - Strange behaviour when downloading

System: Windows 7 home premium SP1
ASUS laptop K52F
Internet connection via Frontier DSL, 3Mbps nominal download speed

I have noticed some strange behaviour with windows update. Doesn't happen every month but does occur enough that I wondering if someone could shed light on what is happening.

I monitor my download speed with NetMeter Evo 2.0. Windows update download will start normally with download speeds reaching my max of 3 Mbps. But when anywhere from 60% to 80% of the files have been downloaded, the download may stop - that is, the displayed speed in NetMeter goes to 0. At this point, I open a browser to google.com (to 'tickle' the Internet connection ) and suddenly Windows Update download takes off. If the download stops again, I repeat this weird approach. Seems to work. Is this just coincidence or is there something going on here?

 

I get similar behavior in Vista and 8.1. The download(s) will start out like gangbusters then suddenly drop to zero. The last few percent of the download(s) will eventually trickle in and the updates will install. — I'll have to try opening FF to see if I get the same results as you.