Hotspots for Wireless networks

Second access point, just add another wireless access point, wireless modem.

you can get dB gain antennas that hook to your card for $20-120 that will boost signal strength both on the receive and transmit end. They come in both the vertical and "yagi" (directed signal) antennas.

look at this link for an example:
http://www.3gplaza.com/estore/control/Computer3G/productdetails?id=33985&srccode=PW

you can price many at:
http://www.pricewatch.com

Well, here is a issue ou must address. There are 3 different wireless ranges A, B, G (right now-more on the way). The difference between the three that will concern you is the Antenna Range:

A: is for vertical
B: is for horizontal
G: is a mix between the two

So if you have A or G ou will improve your vertical spread (from basement to upstairs)

There are several solutions you can try (I will list them from easiest to hardest)
1. Buy a wireless repeater\extender (must buy from same vendor and same range)
2. Buy a Yagi antenna to connect to your access point for vertical signal boost (most wireless consumer vendors sell there own).
3. If using a laptop buy a long range wireless pc card (cisco is the best)

I have done all these configurations for many clients and they all work. If you have problems please email me. Good luck!!

If you have a linksys Access Point WRT54G, WRT54GS, (I know these do it)you can update the firmware with an open source linux version and increase the output. It made a huge difference on mine.

You can fix this issue by recreating the log-in script and entering in line 24: Ethernet > 12ft.

I am sorry I gotta jump in on this one.

The RF envelope for all 3 versions of 802.11a wireless is omni directional. You can "work the signal" using different types of antennas.

The difference between the 3 protocals is the frequency that is modulated, the type of modulation and the number of subcarriers that are modulated.

By adding high gain antennas to your router and a remote high gain antenna to the PC in the basement you will stand a better chance of increasing the signal.

Remember you have to increase the send and receive of both router and PC.

If you are using a Linksys there is a hack on the web that allows you to increase the output of the RF amplifier.

http://www.sveasoft.com/
http://www.wrt54g.com/

I do caution people to use this with extreme reserve. You can fry the output if you increase the output without additional cooling on the components.

I am currently running a linksys with the high gain antennas. 300' down the hill is my cousins house with his computers. With high gain antennas on his boxes they keep a steady connection, even during heavy rains.

You don't mention the brand of your system.

Lee