Could the router I use effect my speed?

I have been using a D-Link DI-524 since '04 and it wasn't a problem for awhile but I now notice my connection is extremely weak and slow. I was wondering if my router needs to be updated or is there a bigger problem?

Just to eliminate a problem, directly connect the PC to the modem and don't use the router, if it works fine, the router is the problem, if not, go to http://www.speedtest.net/and check your speed. If its lower than what you pay for, call your ISP.

A much better test is this http://netalyzr.icsi.berkeley.edu/

What is particularly interesting is the Network access link properties, I'm not going to post my whole log... but you can, I have good reasons not to :P

Network latency measurements Latency: 100ms Loss: 0.0%

TCP connection setup latency 100ms

Network background health measurement: no transient outages

Network bandwidth measurements: Upload 13 Mbit/sec,

Download >20 Mbit/secNetwork buffer measurements :

Uplink is good,

Downlink 140 ms

Of course it is very unlikely you will be anywhere near mine, pay close attention to the network buffering. (My speeds are not speedboosted, I am running docsis 1.1)

go to www.speedtest.net and www.pingtest.net and run both tests with your connection going through the router. then, disconnect the WAN ethernet cable from the router and plug it straight to your computer and retest. both test results won't be the same, but it should be similar. it should also show that you are getting close to the speeds you are paying for with an A or B result for ping testing. if your connection through the router shows bad scores, you may have to update the firmware and do a hard reset. go to D-Link's website and look for an updated version of your firmware. after installing, do a hard reset by holding the reset button down for 20-30 seconds. then, immediately disconnect the power after releasing the reset button. wait a few minutes and reconnect the power. don't forget to change the settings to your liking. run your tests again to see if it results in better speeds.

if not, you may have to purchase a new router as your old one may be failing.

if the connection straight from the modem to your computer isn't good, it might be your internet service provider then.