Where to locate DSL/Router in my home?

[donfm]

I just purchased a Netgear WGR614 DSL/Router and was wondering where the best spot in my home would be other than the obvious in the middle. My home is a ranch style rectangular in shape with a basement. The telephone drop comes in the basement in a corner of that rectangle. Would it be practical to mount it there which would work best for me. Would putting it in my basement be a bad spot or should it be on the main level? How far away can you be in reality and still get optimum speed? I'm planning on running ethernet cabling direct to my main computer but the wireless will be used for the wife's laptop.

 

[amdskip]

Where will the laptop be used primarily? Living room, kitchen/eating area, or basement, etc? Locate it near there. Phone wire can be ran anywhere very easily.