Encrypting A Wireless connection question...

I am running a Linksys WRT54GS wireless router and am fixed on 54Mbps...does encrypting it slow the data transfer rate? I know its enhanced security, I am just wondering....thank you!

 

no. encrypting is highly recommended; anyone unauthorized users will bog down your speed.

 

so encrypting does NOT reduce or limit the rate?

 

encrypting never reduces performance.

 

Enabling encryption can have a small impact on performance due to the extra overhead required to encrypt and decrypt the packets. Here's a quote from Tom's Hardware for your model of access point.

You can read the review here.

 

my v5 WRT54GS shows no decrease in speed; if there is, it's not noticeable. it might be because i have dd-wrt firmware instead of the linksys, and i opened the max number of ports, and overclocked the router.