router causing ssh etc. slowdown?

[Ben Vitale]

Today I installed a Netgear wireless 802.11b router, model MR814 v2.  
$10 after rebate at Staples, and now I can finally use my 
wireless-enabled XP laptop in my living room.

So my new setup is:

Desktop FC2 (192.168.0.2, wired)  --> router (192.168.0.1, wired to 
comcast cable)   <--- laptop WinXP (192.168.0.3, wireless)

Everything works properly on both computers.  Speed test from laptop is 
1199 down, 239 up. Speed test from desktop is 2370 down, 239 up.  These 
speeds make sense since the wireless is 802.11b.

My gripe comes when I try to SSH to my FC2 box from my laptop, going 
through the Internet (ssh <external-router-ip>)

The connection goes through, but SSH is sloooooooooow.  Characters take 
several seconds to appear.  Same thing with VNC.  If I try these 
services using the internal LAN IP (ssh 192.168.0.2), then it of course 
works flawlessly.

I have port 22 forwarded on the router to 192.168.0.2.

I used to be able to SSH into my Linux box from work to check on stuff.  
Now it's so slow that it's unuseable.

HELP! :)

Thanks
Ben