I'm a noob, so please have mercy. I've started an NS 2.0 dedicated server under windows xp. I originally installed adminmod and metamod, but thought they were causing the problem, so reinstalled clean, so I just have NS 2.01 now. The problem is that at some point in the game (anywhere 5-15 mins) everyone times out. I'm connecting to the server via LAN, so I don't, but all internet users time out at once. Server is not going down. Im connecting via DSL, 1.5mbps down, 350kbps up. Your help will be appreciated, thank you in advance.

What router do you have? Have you updated it to the latest firmware?

I updated the Firmware but it is still losing connection, the router is a netgearRP114 .

I have no advice for your other then don't use a resident-class broadband router.

Here's my thinking; if the timeouts happen every time without fail, it could be possible that the cpu in the router isn't powerful enough to handle the load OR the NAT tables are getting too large or both.

Try getting a router that supports VPN termination (not pass through, also called IPSec pass through). The reason for this is that a router that supports VPN termination (ie logging into the network from the outside) must be more powerful then average in order to support the constant encryption/decryption that goes along with it. While you won't necessarily use the VPN function you can definately use the processing power needed to support it.

I know it sucks when someone tells you that you need to go out and spend money but I think that is the case in this situation. Other people might have their opinions but I believe your bottle neck and trouble center is the router.

I dont really know the netgear router, but i have a Draytek 2600 and it reacts to players with low ping rates in the firewall reports as recieving a udp_flood attack. This occaisionally effects my server connection when there are quite a few players on with v-low pings, with the router deciding I am recieving a denial of service DOS attack and blocks all udp traffic for a while!

As it was said earlier in this post 'use a domestic class router & ...'

Ok, consensus of opinion seems to be that its my router. Any recommendations for brand/model good for hosting?

I don't think it really matters, just see to it that it is a beefy router.

Now, here's the hard part, most routers don't mention what the processing power of the router is unless you are allowed to log into the thing. That's why I suggest you look for whether it allows for VPN termination in the description. That by itself will make sure it's a more powerful then average residential router/gateway.