I've been using bridge mode for connecting to the internet. I use MTNL's broadband connection with dlink dsl502t router provided by them.

Of late, the connection drops silently and windows xp freezes. The task manager window doesnt show up on ctrl+alt+del. I have to press the reset button to get outta the situation.

Mind you, the connection doesnt disconnect. The internet dialer window doesn't pop up for a reconnect. Its just that the data transfer stops and yahoo messenger is the first to freeze and then the whole computer.

This freeze happens at least 3-4 times during 12-14 hours of usage.

Today, when this occurred again, i removed the usb connection & connected the router to the network card. I switched over to pppoe mode of connection. For some unknown reason, it cured the freeze. Windows xp came back to life, yahoo messenger came back to life. I didn't need to press the 'reset' button.

I fail to understand what could the problem be with the bridge mode connection. Is it a firmware problem of the router? This router is old and its firmware doesnt seem readily available. Can somebody provide some information on the causes and remedies for this strange behaviour?

Thanks