home computer network help

[simmadown]

Wondering if anyone can help me on a home network. I have a 2 level house with the desktop on cable modem in the bottom floor. I have a laptop in my bedroom that is directly above the desktop. I installed a wireless router on the bottom floor & I am able to pick up the signal on my laptop upstairs. The problem is the kids bedroom on the other side of the house, also upstairs. I have a desktop in their room & I tried a wireless card, but it couldn't pick up the signal. Is it possible to connect an ethernet network card from the desktop to a hub that is connected to my wireless laptop? Not sure if it's possible to network from wireless to wired.

[TonyL]

there's like 4 wired plugs on the back of my wireless router. you could tap into that. As for using the the laptop (thats using the router downstairs) as a relay, Im not sure, but I dont think so.

[toxicz28]

It is, but you would need two cards in the laptop and the laptop would be a router itself.

[Patrick]

You should be able to get a signal booster. I know that Linksys has a couple of different types and most are relatively inexpensive.

[simmadown]

I did try an extended antenna, not sure if it was a signal booster though. At any rate it didn't work. I guess the kids room is not a straight shot & thats what is complicating matters?
I guess I'll have to go take a look at best buy & see what type of cards they have. I could let the kids use the laptop & I could move the desktop in my room if I can get the signal wirelessly from the downstairs computer & then install a nic that has an output to a hub?

[shep]

Why not just go pick up another wireless router set it up as a repeater and put it on the other side of the house. You could also try to move yor current wireless router to a more central location. Also the newer routers have better range than the old ones, some of the Linksys have a range extender built in.