IE6 Problems

Hi,
I have problems with my internet connection and would like to try to
correct it.
Sometimes I lose the ability to connect to the Internet. The solution is to
power off everything and power back up. This happens a couple of times a
month.
I assumed the whole network was down but recently I noticed that Skype
still worked. However nothing else works (IE6, OE, MSN Messenger, PING).
I am realistic that maybe it is my HW and will have to live with it
failing but I would like to:
a) Really determine what is wrong.
b) Perhaps develop a SW way of reseting the connection without having to
power off.

I am running XP SP2 with a cable modem. My router is a Blanc Networking
(based on Realtek chipset).

thanks,
Montreal