I have had two DSL Routers with switches built in over the last year. 
The First was a Linksys and the Second is a Netgear. Both are Wired
Routers w/switches as my network is done up with 10/100 cat5e. I have
four nodes but would like to add more nodes later.  I have SBC, 1
dynamic IP. As such the DSL router keeps dropping the connection at a
rate of about once to twice a week.  To re-acquire the connection I
have to power cycle the router and the modem and go into the setup and
activetly re-apply the settings.  I had to go through this procedure
with the Linksys every three days.  I need a router w/switch that will
actively keep and re-acquire the DSL connection.  It has been
suggested to me to try the Cisco website, but, it was impossible to
get prices and good descriptions, much beyond part numbers.  I would
like something less than 180 bucks and programable.  SBC uses a PPPOE
type connection.

Hello.

I can relate to your question.  I'm also on SBC DSL.  With my previous
router, I  experienced exactly the same disconnnection problems that
you describe.  Occasionally, I found that physically disconnecting the
phone cord from the wall jack and reconnecting it would cause the DSL
modem to reconnect.  Still, though, I got tired of having to go
through the whole router set-up over and over again.

Finally, I got fed up and purchased a new router: the DI-604 from D-Link.  
See Dlink.com:
http://www.dlink.com/products/?model=DI-604

Since I bought this router, I've had zero disconnection problems.

The DI-604 has an "auto-reconnect" feature for PPPoE.

See D-Link's support page:
"...Auto-reconnect - If enabled, the DI-604 will automatically connect
to your ISP after your system is restarted or if the connection is
dropped."
source: Dlink.com support
http://support.dlink.com/techtool/di604_reve/emulator/help_home.html

Since I haven't had any lost connections, I have to assume the
DI-604's auto-reconnect feature works flawlessly.

The DI-604 is a low-cost router.  After surfing a bit, I see that many
retailers are selling this router for around $40. See Google's Froogle
search for this product:
http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=di-604&btnG=Froogle+Search

I also found that an online retailer called ecost.com is currently
selling this router for $43.99 but offering two rebates that total
$34.99.  Thus, you can  buy this router from ecost.com for a net cost
of around $10 + shipping. See ecost.com:
http://www.ecost.com/ecost/shop/detail.asp?DPNo=973450

---------------

search strategy:
di-604, d-link
di-604, auto-reconnect

I hope this helps. Again, I've personally found that the DI-604 solved
my router/SBC issues.  Good luck!  If anything is unclear, or you have
any additional questions, please let me know via the "request
clarification" feature. Thanks.

Excatly what I needed.  I am going to buy that Di-604 Router.  The
inculded links on where to buy one and how to set the thing up are
great too.