Weird network problem - Help needed

[Admiral Huddy]

I have a problem with internet connection to my workshop which I can't resolve.

Network connectivity to my workshop is by use of 2 x Netgear Home plugs. One is a single port hub (Router end) and the other is a 4 port hub (workshop end). There are two PCs in the workshop that are always connected. One uses XP and the other Vista. The other two ports are used for incoming PCs and used as and when they are required. This has been my setup for years and never been a problem.

However, a few weeks ago, I couldn't access the internet on either machine even though the Vista, for example, shows internet is established but nothing appears appears in I.E.

When I PING the router, it times-out inconsistantly. . i.e. 0%, 25%, 75% or sometimes 100%.

Being that two PCs are having the same problem and I've changed nothing, it can't be these. I took the 4 port home plug into the main home and plugged my laptop into it and that worked so it can't be the homeplug or the patch cables being used.

I'm very confused as to why this all of a sudden has become a problem as it's been working up to now and I've changed nothing..

Any suggestions?