the Intel I210 is one of the *better ones* (eg. supports checksum offloading, ECC error correction in buffer memory, ect).
regarding your breakup issue: go to properties of your network controller, watch out for a TAB labeled *Power Management* and uncheck the *Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power* option - this may help.
and remember: only a CRAY can run an endless loop in just three seconds.