Problem with my WRT54G2 Connection

Hello,
My WRT54G2 intermittently keeps dropping the connection.
Once connected, it shows 54Mbps, but after a while, the number keeps dropping down until it comes to 1Mbps when no connection goes out. (Rather when I see the connection doesn't work, the wireless status shows 1Mbps).
This is inspite of me not moving an inch (and I sit within 10feet of the router. )

I have tried changing the channel to different numbers over time (but with no effect).

I used to have the wireless station from microsoft networking and it never used to have problems. My laptop holds a steady connection everywhere else which makes me thing it is the router that is the problem.

It looks like there are quite a few people with the same problem with linksys.

The problem is quite annoying particularly when on VPN connection since that I guess requires continuous availability. (It also looks to me like the problem is acute when on vpn. I use checkpoint which is my company standard. Again, I have never had issues on it with my earlier router, nor do I have problems elsewhere)

My firmware is uptdate.
My router is setup for mixed network (although g is what is used) and on WPA2 security.

Regards,
Gans