WRT600N Problem - UGGH, everyone read this!!!!

Question

I just purchased a WRT600N and several WUSB600N adapters for my desktops and notebook.  I have comcast cable internet and have had no problem setting it up.  If I connect a PC directly to the WRT600N ethernet ports I get 6-15Mb download speeds(depends on how many people in my area are using it) and 2-3Mb upload speed.  When I connect via the WUSB600N it shows I am getting a 270Mb wireless connection with 4 bars(Very Good) to the WRT600N but my download speeds are only 1-1.5Mb and there is a constant lag period every couple seconds.  My ping times are good to whatever place I try, around 40-70ms and no data loss but I can't effectively use the internet over the wireless as it is now with the slower speed and lag.  Does it have anything to do with the encryption method, would that slow down the transfer rate?
OK, Update-I just discovered the problem....it's the encryption, the WRT600N can't do the encryption fast enough.  If I set it to WPA2-Personal and "AES" or "WPA-TKIP or WPA2-AES" it limits the speed to the internet to around 1-1.7Mb for download.  If I set it to WPA-Personal and "AES" or "TKIP" it limits the speed to the internet to around 1-1.1Mb for download.  If I set it to WEP 128-bit encryption I get 15Mb download speed EVERYTIME!!!! 
This is totally unacceptable performance if the better encryption is not working fast enough.  Shared WEP 128-bit encryption is worthless and can be cracked with ease these days.
Can a Linksys support tech comment on this please????
Message Edited by Herbr on 11-05-2008 09:55 AM

Answer 1

Even though the tweaks recommended above worked for the short time, I had continuous problems with the WRT600N.  It would randomly drop the internet connection, and I was really only able to get 3Mbps where once I was getting full bandwidth (when it was new).  
I reluctantly purchased the new Cisco/Linksys equivalent router the E4200.  Once I got it set up I was getting 16-20Mbps right away with all the same equipment.  $150 later, now my problems are over.  At least for a year when the warrantee expires.
I think these things only last a few years before they overhead and get burned out.  I attached one of those laptop cooling pads to the USB on the back of the new router so it continuously has a fan underneath to keep it cool. I hope this helps extend the life.
p5surf