Extending my wireless network - approach (basic question)
 

I just installed the latest tomato firmware ( 1.27 ) on my linksys router. I have it running in Ethernet Bridge mode so my laptop is using it as a pass through to the main access point.

I started down this road because we just moved into a new house and the office and access points are at opposite ends (and levels) in the house. I had something about setting up a repeater to enhance the quality of the network. I started reading some things that started me questioning what I was doing. Could someone help with some basic answers?

My problem is that my signal strength is weak when in the office. When my wife is using the network as well the network seems to drop to a standstill for me. That might be me as I have had issues with my wireless nic dropping connections once in a while (I am on CentOS 5.1)

1) What approach (Repeater, Ethernet Bridge) is the best to solve my problem and what is the difference between the two?

2) If the Repeater is the best way to improve signal strength I read somewhere that both routers should be the same. My main router is a FIOS router and what I want to use as a repeater is a WRT54G with tomato ... anyone done that before ?

3) Repeater on Tomato : I did not see an option for that, only something that said WDS ... is that it ?

Thanks in advance for any assistance

Best way, from my point of view, is to buy a switch+2 or 3 good wireless connect wireless router with switch by ethernet cable, and place them around a house. Ethernet cable can be used for a long distance and you will have wireless everywhere. Configuration: wireless routers - static IP, computers through their DHCP.