home network setup

[randomerror]

Hi. I'm looking to relay or somehow extend the wireless network currently set up in my home-office and so far, have not found a clear answer to the how's and why's ...

connected resources:

ATT DSL through a 2Wire 1701HG Gateway router
Airport express - airtunes - appears to pick up a weak connection - audio drop outs and disconnects) presumably due to distance from 2Wire gateway.

My macbook (2.4 GHz) seems to pick up signal at far end of house in region of airport express, but a G4 powerbook (1.67 GHz) struggles
(both running 10.5.8)

I also have these currently unconnected resources at my disposal:
Airport Extreme
2Wire 2701HG-B Gateway

Airport utility only sees the connected airport express, but the (macbook) sys prefs / network panel, shows the 2nd 2wire router (locked) and the airport extreme as present.

How can I get any / all of these to talk to each other to get stronger signals through out the home and office!?

I'm also not clear whether the airport express simply functions to receive audio from the router stationed in far office, but not rebroadcast or relaying wireless signal in that area of the house.

(I will also need to set up some wired PC's to the network, but that's another can of worms!)

Thank you so much for any input.

 

[jcooke]

I think the airport express might be able to relay a wireless signal, but I'm not sure how strong. Your best bet is to use the Airport Wxtreme to extend the 2wire wireless router.

 

[Satcomer]

Plus if you have a Microwave or something try changing the default wireless channel to a non-default channel (move it of the number channel #9 to another channel). The microwaves, cordless phone, etc. also transmit at 2.4 GHz and can cause havoc with the wireless router operating a 2.4 GHz. So changing the wireless channel or going to the 5GHz frequency can clear a lot of wireless interference from other common devices. 5 GHz is really a lot clearer than 2.4 GHz it isn't even funny.