Is there a way to tweak my routers?

[ins_]

I am mostly connected through 2 routers, 1 wired and 1 wireless.

Cable Modem --> Linksys BEFSR41 --> Linksys WRT54GS --> my computer

When connected directly to my cable modem i get speeds of 13mbps/2mbps (No lie, Optimum Online just recently upgraded free of charge

Anyway, the upload doesn't change, it is ~2mbps whether connected directly to the modem or whether through the routers.

But the download speed is halted at ~3.5-4mbps when connected through the routers.

Are there any known tweaks that can be done to routers to increase Internet speeds?

Thanks.

WinXP SP2

[mccoffee]

you might need a router with a faster wan port on it so it could handle the speeds of ool. Make sure you network card is 100 full duplex on the wired.

[mnosteele52]

Only use one router, there is no need for 2 and make sure you have the latest firmware for your router.

[ins_]

First, yes I do have the latest firmware.

Well yes, there is a need for 2 routers. The cable modem is in my basement, to where the first wired router comes in, which then connects to 2 other routers/hubs.

If I just connect the wireless router directly to the cable modem, I will get hardly the reception I would get had I placed it in the middle of the house, which I have now. Especially in the summer time when I frequently take the laptop outside (I have tried with the wireless router in the basement and there is hardly a usable signal.

cable modem
|
wired router ---> wireless router
|
|
|
V
wired router --> playstation, xbox

I was just wondering why, if the speed is at 54mbps, it would be lowered to around 4 or 5 mbps?

Also, I know mccoffee mention the WAN port, but I tested sending a file through AIM to a computer also on my home network via WiFi, the speed was almost 13mbps.

Don't know if that means anything, just though I'd put it in there.


*****EDIT*****

Perhaps maybe what I'm looking for is a Firefox or http tweak?