So right now, I have a wireless B/G router, and all of my wireless equipment (almost 10 devices) uses wireless G only... It's slow and laggy and prone to interference (I just bought the cheapest wireless G router on the shelf a couple of years ago... SURPRISE! haha) ;-)

I'm wondering if upgrading to a wireless N router will improve the range/flakeyness that my wireless G devices are experiencing.

Even if it won't, obviously, I'm in the market for a new Wireless router that has good range, good encryption options, decent speed, and will work well with Windows XP*/Windows 7*/Windows Server*/XBox 360*/wii/iPhone/Windows Phone7/and Android devices. I also do a lot of bit torrenting (with the latest version of 2.x uTorrent -- so, lots of memory is better, yes?) (* indicates wired devices.)

I'm also open to the option of installing Linux on either the router, or an old desktop PC... and using that, but not sure what the latest and greatest routers are for linux, and I've never managed a linux box running as a router so would need like a for dummies guide or something... it might be worth it though if I could get it to work with more than one Wireless G card (I have several laying around, some are of the two antenna "rangeboost" variety... would more cards be better or worse in theory?)

Also theory of antenna placement is interesting to me also... do they make extension cords for the screw on antennas most wifi routers use? like if I put it up high on a central wall to my apartment, in theory that's better than if I had it crammed behind a desktop in a closet, right?

Any advice, comments, links, etc would be most appreciated.

Oh, it wasn't intuition... I've seen enterprise networks with access points/routers on the mounted to the ceilings, and I was wondering if it was more of a "It saves space" thing or a "It's better" thing. :-)

I know wireless N is supposed to have a longer range signal, but that's too bad if it's not backwards compatible with B/G devices.

If high up does make a difference, I'm wondering about extension cords on the antennas, and running a linux wifi server then I guess... unless there are good windows server options for wifi... that would be even cooler (could reuse my existing server)!

Any recomendations?

I was just googling and I saw this: http://www.engadget.com/2005/11/15/how-to-build-a-wifi-biquad-dish-antenna/ and this: http://www.phaster.com/golden_hill_free_web/

I knew about the cantennas, but they focus the wifi signal, right? Not spread it out, and amplify it (which I think is what I want to do... no?) -- it looks like the biquad thing is similar to a cantenna, in that it focuses it over a long range... wondering if there is a build it yourself guide to making a good home wifi antenna for spreading the signal out more...
edit: wait... no. just found this... but the omnidirectional link is dead...
edit: AND THIS.

Easy to make, seems to help: http://www.freeantennas.com/projects/template2/index.html

I don't have any numbers, but yes, it works. At least, there were constant complaints about the signal dropping downstairs in the living room (the router is upstairs). Afterwards, no complaints.

The instruction is confusing, but the shiny foil faces towards the antenna.

Just search Google images or Youtube for 'windsurfer antenna'. I noticed some people put the foil on the other side of the parabola, so it probably doesn't matter. It just didn't occur to me

Yes, they make extension cords for wifi antennas. I have one! I also have two, big nice antennas. I bought the whole shabang from NewEgg, so go search there. I just picked the stuff with the best reviews. Not hard, and it did help the situation I was trying to fix. My friend needed to get their landlord's wifi through several walls.

If you're buying a new router, make sure it supports open-source firmware like DD-WRT. DD-WRT will take your rinky-dink store-bought router, and turn it into a professional grade router (as long as it's supported)

Again, search NewEgg, even if you're not going to buy the router there. I've found the reviews on NewEgg to be wonderfully helpful and insightful.

And yes, put the router high up. If possible, don't use the extension cord, just velcro the puppy to the ceiling. As already stated, unless you're trying to reach upper or lower floors, keep the antenna vertical.

EDIT:
If you have an Android phone, Wifi Analyzer will tell you the best channel to use
Or just use this web-based analyzer to find the best channel.

Ooooh, looks like my router is supported! Maybe I should install that.

** EDIT **

Actually it's starting to look less attractive. It doesn't strike me as very open source friendly. I mean, sure, the source code is available, but apparently they have tried to withhold parts of the project and encrypt other parts (i.e., the Web UI), which is just stupid and malicious.

OK, but their support for my router is WIP.

I wish the wifi antenna hack was a video.

Obligatory quote:

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