gnutella connects by connecting to ann IP address (not a
www.blah.com name) doesn't it? sounds like a name resolving issue to me.
i remember having to change something in my connection script. I've had a search, but can't find the link.
because you didn't say what your broadband was (adsl, satellite, cable) or who your provider is, i can't help much more at the moment.
If it's telstra adsl (or most other adsl providers) have a read of the linuxathome.net article
http://www.linuxathome.net/bpalogin.php
I remember it was a really simple change to make, possibly in /etc/resolv.conf or in /etc/rc3.d/some_file_I_cant_think_of