Tweaking cable broadband wireless network

[Fumbler]

I'd appreciate advice on how to tweak my setup.

After much trouble, I've got a DLink 802.11a wireless network setup and running so-so (router, wireless access point, wireless adapters in each PC; all set to turbo - up to 72Mbps).

However, tho' the speed test shows adequate speed, the actual on-line performance seems significantly slower than when the cable was plugged straight in to each PC (especially for my kids playing games over the 'net). So I suspect some of my settings could be better.

I'd welcome any suggestions from anyone - what to look at, what settings need attention, or any tweaking tools.

[TelecomBoy]

You using WEP? WEP cuts speed in half in some cases due to the encryption.

[Fumbler]

Thanks for the thought, TelecomBoy.

No, I've not turned the WEP on - I had been tempted to, but have read up that it slows things down - so I didn't.

Must be something else slowing me down.

Regards, Ian

[TelecomBoy]

Okay, you only realistically get 4 -5 MPS with wireless, this may be improved by the settings you have tweaked already but it will struggle (To my kids frustrated experience) with online gaming.

Sorry can't think of anything else

[Greenstead]

I'm no on-line gamer so I don't have experience of these problems.

There are other factors to consider - check this:
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/robin.d.h.walker/cmtips/games.html

Also, if you are a DSL/PPPoE user check this website:
http://www.dslreports.com/faq

[Fumbler]

Thank you TelecomBoy & Greenstead for your help; much appreciated.

Especially when there's so little response from the DLink manufacturers.

All sad really, as I think the grear is probably quite good if it could only be set up right.

The actual intercommunication between the in-house bits is very high (up to 72Mbps or 9MBps); so there ought not to be any reduction between plugging the darn cable directly into the PCs and doing it via the network (I accept that if two or more were accessing games at identical times, then there may be a slowdown - but this would only be rarely).

Kind regards, Ian