Networking for a real dummy

[bengoshi]

Just a simple question, and please give me a simple answer--

Scenario--

I have a computer on the first floor of my house. It is connected to the internet by a wireless router (wireless to the computer, but wired to a modem)

I have just bought a second computer and it is on the second floor of my house. The signal from the router (downstairs) will not reach with sufficient strength to the second floor.

Now, what do I need to do to boost the signal of the router up to the second floor? Do I need another router (tried that and it didn't work), a "bridge," an "access point," a "brouter?" I don't need any technical explanations of why it will work, just tell me what I need to do before I spend any more money.

I know this is the dumb question of the day, but would really appreciate the help.

Gene

 

[mammador]

Two options I can see:

- Buy a small switch (say an eight port model), and plug two wifi access points via Ethernet for both floors.

- Connect and reconfigure a wifi router to the second floor, so it's an access point and not a router.

 

[bengoshi]

Thank you. Is an access point the same thing as a bridge?

 

[alkemyst]

Well yes and no. Some AP's have switches (bridge). Some don't.

I have cable to a modem/router (I have voice as well here) and then to my E4200.

Set it up for bridge mode and everything works nice with security cams on wireless G and my PC/Laptops on N.