I need a wireless (802.11b) solution.

I currently have a 802.11 cable/dsl router set up (Netgear MR814)
which provides connectivity via wireless and wired computers on the
2nd floor. However it does not cover the 1st floor so I wish to have
another base station that will somehow pick up the signal of the
original router and extend wireless access throughout the 1st floor.
Along with wireless access, I'd also like to be able to have wired
access via CAT-5 ethernet cords with this new unit.

What are (3) good solutions available from a retailer? Functionality
is a must, price is important, and long range would be nice.

Thank you.

You can get a wireless access point that acts as a repeater.  DLink
sells a small one that retails about $60.  What you do is take a CAT5
cable from your wireless router upstairs and wire it to your
downstairs connection.  It will then broadcast but not conflict.  You
can actually repeat ths throughout a whole building, allowing full
coverage.

Basically any wireless router will do this, just set it up for
non-DHCP.  Make sure it's running a different channel then the others
(as not to conflict) and link them via CAT5.  You name them all with
the same SSID.  The DLINK repeater is small and only does wireless so
I'd recommend something like the Linksys Wireless-B Broadband Router
(BEFW11S4), which is also about $50-$60.

This will also act as a switch, allowing you to connect wired devices.
 It will keep all of your computers on the same subnet, allowing easy
communication through all of them.

As in response to your question about picking up and re-transmitting: 
I'm not aware of any device that does this that is purely wireless.
Actually, even if it's possible, I wouldn't recommend it because of
degradation of the signal.  You'd most likely end up with a lot of
packet loss.

Thanks for your reply. At this point it's not possible to wire from
the second floor to the first floor. Thus sadly I'm unable to follow
much of your advice.

When I come up with a problem as you suggested, though, I'll be sure
to follow your advice. Thanks much--may you be rewarded through great
karma.

Hello, ralphs!

Some access points can be configured as master and slave to send the
signal between two access points and keep it going. (may also be
called "bridge" mode). See this review:
http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/reviews/AP/article.php/955201.
The review says:
Although it may be obvious, I'll say it anyway: the WAP11 does not
provide wireless repeating.  This is the ability to function as a
wireless bridge and Access Point at both ends of the wireless Bridge. 
This would let you extend your wireless network's range without
running CAT5 cabling.  For now at least, products with this capability
typically run $500 and up per unit.

-=-=-
The article linked to
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/networking/wireless_bridge.htm,
which has amazing information on the task you wish to accomplish.

The short answer is, for the piece of equipment, you can use it as an
access point OR a bridge. The repeater mentioned above can be used in
conjunction with a WAP that acts as a bridge.

You really do need your bridge-configured WAPs to be as close as
reasonably possible. But, if they're bridge-configured, they can't
service clients. They can only extend the LAN wirelessly. You need
Access Point configured WAPs to service laptops and computers.
Suggested Minimum purchase: 2 Linksys WAP11 (~$50) (in bridge mode)
and one Linksys BEFW11S4 (~$50) (802.11b WAP plus 4 port switch).

Google search: master slave access points

IANAGAR

Hello Ralphs,

For the scenario you ask, ideall you would need an access point with
repeater functionality built in.

I know that MR814 does not support repeating functions, you are pretty
stuck with it or removing it completely.

Coming to repeating, you need to be careful while selecting Access
Points with repeating mode. Lower end models like Zcomax 1500 H
support Wireless repeating, with a catch: In repeating mode, you are
barely bridging a network wirelessly, and  no other computer can
connect to either of the two access points Wirelessly.

What you would then need is Access Points with Wireless Distribution
System functionality. A wireless distribution system would be  useful
in bridging a network wirelessly, at the same time providing you the
functionality to use Wireless Access point - thus, thereby increasing
its range.

There are several access points available in the market - though, they
can range from anywhere 100$ to very high end models. I know some
models of D-Link support WDS, and some of Proxim ones as well. There
is also a company called Sputnik, which makes access points (AP200 and
AP160) specifically with WDS support. Avaya also makes products (AP3
Model) for wireless bridging.

A few things you must consider when purchasing a system like that-
- How far and what are the obstructions in your house that might
weaken a signal before bridging. Ideally, home routers are not more
than 30mw in power - you may consider a higher powered AP, which of
course costs more!
- What other fuctionalities - Ideally, a bridge access point must not
do anything else - like Dhcp, NAT or anything at all.

Hope it helps,

Suyog