Hi OneOfOne
Is your desktop connected to Motorola Cable modem through USB cable or Ethernet cable?Ethernet cable is better option
.Also on laptop you have pluged in USB wireless adapter Netgear 111.Your laptop doesnt have wireless built in or the built in wireless died?I hoped that you have read my privious replay.I had cable internet for years and Motorola 5100 modem (DSL now).My wireless was through D-Link Wireless router 524 and never had serious problems
.Disconnections on your wireless you are getting could be interferences of some other radio signals going around(other wireless modems/routers, cordless phones...)
.But if you are getting disconected of internet on your desktop (which is connected via cable USB or Ethernet) then, have a chat to BigPond to replace modem or if they can explane why you get disconected sometimes (could be problem on optical cable from your house to exchange)
.Before buying good router try to change channel on your modem.They go from 1-13.Channels 1-6-11 are the best because they will hardly conflict with other signals (Ch 6) is favorite
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Hope this helped