When it comes to buying equipment, think g, not b. New 802.11g hardware is nearly five times faster than 802.11b gear, and it will interoperate with that as well.
If youre a PC family, try the Linksys WRT54G 802.11g base. It will work on almost any Net connection, and the company often gives out software upgrades. It has a built-in firewall to stop hackers from plucking your credit card number from the airwaves, and a throughput jack lets you hardwire other computers via Ethernet cable. These should cost about $150.
If youre an Apple household, get an AirPort Extreme, about $200. Its prettier than earlier AirPorts, and newer Macs come with the software to run it.
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/11.05/unwired/network.html
