you didnt answer whether you were losing connection to your isp completely or just to IRC so its hard to suggest things to check. You can read about this error, 10054, at
this web page Its a tough one to pin down the reason for since it could be so many things.
Check modem, cable/phone line connections/wires
Slow down/stop at isp or anywhere in between
Someone could be doing it to you
Does this only happen when you are dccing? Maybe:
-router firmware
-speed patches
-isp interference as a result of "bandwidth hogging"
There really isnt anything you can do about the downloads if you get disconnected either way. Have you considered using mIRC for chatting and find another way to get whatever it is you are downloading?
