I have a Linksys WRT54GS wireless router that is just dog slow when wireless, even more than a little slow when plugged into it. Not unusual to wait 3 minutes for a response.

Compaq Presario laptop, HP Pavilion desktop.

When either one is plugged into the DSL box direct, it is lightning fast, so I know the problem is with the router.

Same thing with the desktop computer right next to it, that is plugged into the router. Slow response (but not near as slow as the wireless)

Use position is about 20 feet away, thru one drywall wall. (Heck, it's even slow in the same room.)

What can I do to this thing to make it work faster?

Help!!!!!

Contact your ISP for some settings for your router.

Search the Linksys site for "Firmware Upgrade." You'll be surprised at how much it will help, providing there are no other network problems.

First verify what speeds you are getting:
https://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest

Setup port forwarding.

https://portforward.com/

Please stop using your laptop when you ride your bike.

Firmware upgrade only helped a little. This is a 2006 era router - just htinking that there is a lot better equipment in G wireless somewhere.

wha why?

I agree with zanesmurf, run a speed test. I recommend this one. See what you get from there, compare it to your apparent connection speed (i.e. 1 megabit, 4, 7..).

Reset your modem: Unplug the router, unplug the modem, leave both unplugged for a few minutes, plug in the modem, give it a few minutes, plug in the router.

Finally, renew your IP. Restarting the modem sometimes does it, but otherwise you have to do it through the router browser interface or by plugging directly into the router, just say so if you need help with that.

If it is slow when you are connected via Ethernet, then going to G isn't going to change anything. You have a config problem somewhere. I would reset it to factory defaults and reconfig it.

I agree. You can send your current router to me.

Well, the results are in -----

I took it over to my son's house, set it up on his computer, and he had all of the problems I had. So, back home I went.

After resetting to factory defaults, reinstalling on my system, and spending 1.5 hours on the phone with Linksys support, reconfiguring, it appears it has a defect. If I get more than 5' away from it with wireless, it starts to get real slow and keeps dropping me. Download Speed: 2580 kbps (322.5 KB/sec transfer rate) Upload Speed: 351 kbps (43.9 KB/sec transfer rate)

They (Linksys)offered to e-mail me a coupon for $10 off a new one.

Instead, I gave Netgear some money, and all my problems are resolved. My laptop is now much faster in wireless mode, than when it was plugged into an ethernet port on the old Linksys router... Even the desktop is quicker plugged into the ethernet port.

Hardware, does, sometimes, break.

Other than spending the money - I'm a happy camper.....

Your old 2006 era Linksys WRT54GS router should have a 3 year warranty. This being 2009, it may still be covered. Find your receipt, or other proof of purchase. Contact Support again and demand an RMA. Don't accept a lousy $10 credit when their product has failed to meet their own meager standard.

... i think this entire topic is off topic, shouldn't it be in the community area for off topic?