Need more wireless range

[bigal40]

I currently have a dlink DI-614 802.11g router, I think it is getting ready to bite the dust because about 3 months ago I noticed a large decrease in the wireless range and now I have to Reset it about once a week becasue I stops giving out IP adresses to my computers.

before the troubles started I still only was getting marginal signal stength in my two story house.

I have 3 computers that connect wirelessly, one with an internal 802.11g card, one with a PCMCIA 802.11G 108mbps card, and a desktop with a PCI 802.11g 108mbps card.

I really need a router that will work dependably and provide more range. right now I have to keep the computers in the half of the house closest to the router, I want something that can give signal to my whole house.

I read the 802.11N give better range, but would I see as much of a range increase if I kept using it with the 802.11g cards in my computers?

Are there any commercial grade routers that aren't too expensive that will provide better range?

Thanks for the help.

 

[cprince]

how about an access point for the second floor?

 

[JackMDS]

The best way is to lay few CAT6 cables to central locations in the house, install Access Points, or Cable/DSL Routers configured as an Access Points ( Using a Wireless Cable/DSL Router as a Switch with an Access Point ), and connect them to the Main Router.

You do not want/can not/hate/your client hate to lay Cables.

Buy a Pair of Wireless Routers that can do WDS (Zyxell, SMC, Belkin have models that do WDS as is out of the Box.

Linksys WRT54GL can do WDS when flashed with DD-WRT firmware.

Using a Laptop loaded with ith Netstumbler, do a Wireless survey in the house, http://www.netstumbler.com/downloads/

According to the Netstumbler's signal strength reading, identify spots that have strong signal. and spot with weak, or No signal.

Evaluate how you can cover the space and start placing WDS units.

Additional Wireless Routers in WDS Mode (Wireless Network - Configuration Modes. ) has to be placed in spots were the signal is good about Half way to the dead spots.

How many WDS units are needed? It depends on your specific environment (that is a good the reason to buying WDS units one at the time, try it, and decide on the Next step).

Otherwise.

Extending Distance - http://www.ezlan.net/Distance.html
Wireless Router as an AP - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html
Wireless Modes - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Modes.html
Wireless Bridging - http://www.ezlan.net/bridging.html
Hi Gain Antenna - http://www.ezlan.net/antennae.html