Long range 802.11a AP suggestions?

[LordFortius]

Well, I've had a 3COM 802.11b gateway for a while now, and the only thing I've really been unhappy with is the range. It is located in a room on one of the sides of my house, and there is another room on the other side of the house on the third floor that the signal can't reach. I would like to upgrade to 802.11a equipment, but I keep hearing comments about how the range on 802.11a is much worse than 802.11b. So, I was wondering what recommendations people here could give me for an 802.11a AP with relatively good range, at least compared to competing products. I am ok with buying additional antennas, but if I do, I prefer for the AP to have connectors specifically for external high gain antennas. I don't like having to open up the unit and solder on the wires myself. I would also prefer that total equipment costs stay under about $800. TIA.

 

[JackMDS]

The 802.11a penetration capacity is not as good as the 802.11b, thus in a House situation the range will be less.

It is possible that you can install additional 802.11b as bridges, in midway, and extend the range.

This site provides Hi-Gain Antennae, look at the WAPs that they are offering it for.

2.4 GHz WLAN antennas/ Wireless Internet antennas/ Access Point antennas/Wireless Bridge antennas.