Would this affect any packages being transmitted after the initial connection-handling?

I wish i could help, but apart from the usual tips without a clue, I fear I can't. I suspect you have already taken care of them, but just in case

• check top/process viewer for processes eating your cpu
• see if your wireless network got overpowered on its channel or something (using wifiinfo?)
• check if all network traffic has become slower (see 2.)
• check if somehow the terminal is working that slow as well. I don't think this happens, ever (without 1.)

My N800's power supply is busted atm, so I'm less help than I'd hope for, sorry...