Cable connection loss & strange behaviour

[Dan Gordon <invg4 cogeco ca>]

Hi all, RH 7.2
I am on a cable connection to the net all is well untill the modem losses its 
connection (my isp likes to reboot it all the time).  Somtimes its down for 
half an hour other times i dont even notice it.  When it is down and i try to 
open any other programs like games or whatever they are very slow ro resopnd, 
like a minute or so.  I know its a result of the modem being down but is this 
normal and can i fix it?
-- 
Regards,
Dan Gordon
Registered Linux User #262884