Thanks slim-slag, why didn't I think of that (because you're stupid I hear from several ex-Service people on Pprune).
Having rebooted etc. there is a definite improvement--I still do not understand all the ping jazz, but there. I was much happier with my Netgear router but I have to use the Freebox to get my free telephone calls to most of the civilised world.
Thanks also to Blackace