How do I fix a broken router?
 

I play counter-strike. I use a router. I get terrible spiky pings and high pings to servers on the server list but average pings to the server once I join.

When I don't use the router I ping fine to the servers and my pings are stable with no spiking.

I've tried resetting the router, updating the firmware and tweaking random settings and whatnot to no avail.

Anyone have any suggestions on how to fix it?

Have you tried moving your machine to the DMZ while playing?

dmz what? im retarded

Routers have a setting called DMZ, De Militarized Zone. (SP). It takes you out from behind the hardware firewall (i beleave and leave you completly open as if you were not on a router) Just use that setting when your playing and turn it back on when your done.

tell us the make of router ... i've played with routers but i think they were probably a little higher-end than what you've got ... dunno if my experience will apply.