Losing connection after every reboot..
 

Since I am a linux newbie figured I better post here. I'm new to Linux, but so far really enjoying the experience. I've installed Mandrake 10.1, and so far have been able to figure out most of the issues I've had. One has me stumped though. I have a cable connection to the net, using a static ip:
Vendor: ‎Realtek
Description: ‎RTL-8139 NIC

static ip: 192.168.1.101
netmask 255.255.255.0
gateway: 192.168.1.1

each time I reboot I need to remove and create a new network connection in order to get back online. When booting it doesn't show any errors when detecting the NIC card and starting the connection. But once booted up the network icon is "x"ed out. If I right click the network icon and select reconnect nothing happens. Once I create a new network connection all comes back and is ok till the next reboot.
I've tried everything my little knowledge can think of and nothing works. I also lost the network icon in the icon panel, although once i create a new connection I do get back online without it. I would like to have it back also if possible. I'm sure I should give more tech info here but not sure what else is needed. thanks for any help you may offer this green newbie

Hi, and welcome to LQ.

You probably need to update the firmware on your router.

That solved a similar problem for my mate ;)