Thanks Pete!! Especially for the quick reply!!

I'll get started on doing some homework. Your suggestion to verify will be a bit tougher since I'm not actually on site all the time----also the problem when it shows up is very sporadic---the only place we see it is when an email stalls. I can probably get the reverse plot done pretty easily. A couple of other tidbits that might help us along the way:

1) I've run a same time plot from another machine on the network and it looks completely different--any ideas there? We haven't seen any problems inside the building.
2) I've done extensive internal plotting and pinging and have seen no problems at all
3) I've been in the middle of a email stall on a particular machine and able to check the internet connection and speed at the same time. Speed from CNET tests at all times is pretty consistent.
4) Yes you are correct on the router. They use a Netgear unit and then it connects to the Eschelon equipment---which is in the same room and rack for the whole building. Eschelon is also carrying their phone service on the same equipment.

Thanks again!!!

Have a Great Day,
Rusty