Need some advice on expanding my wireless home network

[xcoyle]

I own a 4 unit building (2 story front and back units) and occupy all four units for work/living. I currently have:

Linksys 2.4Ghz 802.11b Wireless Access Point Router
PC running Windows 2000 (which is connected to the router by Ethernet? Cable, “the big phone cable”)
PC running Windows 2000, connected wirelessly with Linksys Card

I can move the wireless PC to other apartments but it has to be close in distant to the router. Meaning the room directly below, or just across the hall. I want the whole building to have good wireless in any room in any unit, including basement.

I am planning on buying a new iMAC and a new Mac Mini, which should be released this week. But I will be using my PC as well.

So I want to get expanded coverage of my current system. I am about a 4 out of 10 when it comes to computer knowledge, so I will do my best to explain what I want.

I want a device(s) in each unit of my building that will pick up my current signal and send it to full coverage in that unit. Kind of like cell phone towers do. From what I have read it looks like Linksys calls these Access Points. Here are a few from Linksys:

http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Sate...803676&pagename=Linksys/Common/VisitorWrapper

http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Sate...998773&pagename=Linksys/Common/VisitorWrapper

http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Sate...849913&pagename=Linksys/Common/VisitorWrapper

Am I right so far?

I want the new devices to work with both 802.11b & 802.11g (I may up grade my router in the future).

I also like the Apple version of this product but it is too expensive, (Air Port Express Base Station). From the description it looks like it can work with my current router, but I don't want to spend this much.

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APP...9F2bRiz28A/1.SLID?mco=96190CF2&nplm=M9470LL/A

What I really like about the Apple product is the streaming music to different stereos.

So I am looking for Linksys or other brand equivalent that can expand my coverage and allow music streaming. But the music part is secondary.

So let me know if I am on the right track here, or are all my assumptions wrong.

Also let me know of any non-Linksys products that people like for less.

This information will be much appericated.

 

[suprasteve]

a wireless access point is exactly what you want, positioning one to cover the whole building may take some experimentation, but a WAP and maybe upgraded antennas on the router itself would probably accomplish what you want