Fixed it!
reset the router to factory defaults, then re-input the mirc parameters. the belkin router had the mirc parameters in a drop down list, but they called it IRC , not mIRC. It was the same as I had it before, I think there were some internal messups and restoring to factory defaults did the trick.
worth a try, if anyone else is having a similar weirdness. Just remember to save your current settings first! or write them down
