For the last couple of years I have been happily working away with my IP Profile running at either 2Mb, or sometimes at 2.5Mb, with a snrm of 6dB, varying by 2 or 3dB through the day. Given where I live, I was happy with that.
Late last year I (foolishly) decided to upgrade the router (netgear DG834) f/w to the latest level. Don't ask me ...