Connection constantly timing out

I've tried to logon to FFXI today, but for some reason it only stays on for about a few minutes before the numbers in the upper right corner (next to the S and R and percentage) would start diving down into the double digits, causing all in-game actions to slow to an extreme crawl until I'm kicked of with a timed out error.

I don't understand why exactly this is happening. But I suspect it may have something to do with the fact that I picked up a new DSL modem from Verizon today? It didn't work at first and I had to work with Verizon's customer service to completely reconfigure my router and network settings to get things going again. When I did, I ended up changing the security settings for the router from WEP to WPA. Maybe that has something to do with it? I play on PS2, and the first thing I went to do before I logged on was to adjust the network settings on the POL screen, but it doesn't even ask for security mode or password.

So, I'm kind of at a loss for what to do about this problem.

My ISP sent me a new modem recently and I experienced the same sort of troubles. The only solution I could find was to switch back to my original modem they'd sent me 4+ years ago and continue using it. We have different ISPs, but its possible we share the same issue.

Unfortunately, the whole reason I had to have them send over a new modem was because the old one broke. The internal plug that holds onto the modem's power cord was faulty and finally snapped off and came loose inside. So going back to that modem is just not an option for me. There must be some way to make it work with the new one. 'Cause I like this one since it seems to make the connection more stable for our computers, at least. It's just FFXI that seems to be having an issue right now.

So, I try to contact support by filling out the customer service form on SE's support center only to get an e-mail back saying that they can't help me with this issue over e-mail (no idea why) and that I have two options. One is to use their toll-free chat support which is supposed to be on their support center site, but so far I have found impossible to find as their "Contact Us" page offers only the e-mail form or a link to this forum. The other is a non 800 number which is not toll free. Wow. Super helpful.

Nyamavu,

We can offer a few suggestions if you are experiencing any of the following:
• Have difficulty connecting to or staying connected to the PlayOnline Viewer or FINAL FANTASY XI
• Crash, receive a black screen error, or get stuck at the downloading data screen upon clicking your character handle or character select button
• See your the lag meter turn red
• Encounter increased lag or connection problems near crowed areas
• Have trouble accessing specific zone(s)
• Have trouble logging in with specific character(s)
• Receive any of these errors: 3113, 3100, 4001, 1160

Suggestions:
1. Check to make sure you have properly configured or turned off any of the following: Routers, Proxy Servers, NAT Servers, Internet Connection Sharing services.
2. If you are using any kind of software/hardware Internet Sharing service/device the following ports need INCOMING access to your PC: TCP 1024 - 65535, UDP 53, and 50000 - 65535. Also, check to make sure that the ports mentioned are not blocked by your ISP for INCOMING access. Proper configuration of any of the above items mentioned should be done by following the instructions in the software/hardware manual or calling the manufacturer's technical support.
3. If you are using a router, and have configured that router for port forwarding, temporarily bypass that router and connect directly to the modem.

Please take note of the following:
• Proxy servers, and satellite connections are not supported and do not work correctly with FINAL FANTASY XI.
• Your router may require that you use a PC to configure your network settings. For more information about how to configure your network settings, please refer to the instruction manual that came with your router or contact the manufacturer directly.
• If your Internet Service Provider (ISP) specifies a DNS server, you need to make sure to configure your settings to allow packets to pass through UDP Port 53 as well. For more information, please refer to the instruction manual for your router or the information provided by your ISP.