[Dovecot] Random Loss of Connection with Thunderbird and Dovecot

Hi,

Dovecot Version: 1.2.16 OS: CENTOS 5.5

I am having issues with Thunderbird connecting to Dovecot at random times. Usually an error comes up and states that Thunderbird cannot connect to the server. The only way I have been able to fix this is reset/repair the network connection or reboot the computer. Is there any parameters I can change in Dovecot to fix this issue? Does anyone know what is likely going on? I have been reading forums and I cannot find anything.

Thanks