network expanding wired to wireless (mac and pc)

[BFG]

Hi, there i need some advice on the best of of expanding my network.
Currently i've got a wired network running everywhere, but I hate having to carry a patch cable around with my laptop just to connect it.

My router (free one i got with UKonline) has wireless network setup on it, and it working fine when im in range.
But what i'd like to do, is expand the wireless network range, using the wired network (i.e so there is no speed loss with distance) but im not sure how to do it.

so my setup would be: router > cat5e > {something that put out 54mb wireless} ---> laptop.

i was thinking about using airport expresses to start with, but then i found out, althought they expand the wireless network, as the range increases the speed drops.

I need full speed, since i do a fair amount of file transfers.

anyone know what i can do? thanks

 

[randas]

you just need to use a "wireless access point" for the transmitter part. Some wireless routers can act as one, but not all. I know my linksys cant. Im pretty sure airport base stations can (since their often used in schools, where their plugged into a lan)

 

[rehlers]

Yes, a wireless access point is what you need. It doesn't do any routing, but just functions as a bridge between your wireless network and wired.

All wireless devices are going to suffer from speed reduction the farther you are away from the access point, just place it in the best location you can and get something like http://www.macstumbler.com/ to test the signal strength as you walk around. Walls do more to kill signal than distance, also.