Extending Range of Wireless Network

[nebsta]

I wish to extend the range of my wireless network because currently there are blackspots upstairs. I have a Safecom GWART2-54125 router located downstairs and have tried using higher gain aerials although there are still blackspots.

I am now considering installing an access point upstairs and connecting it to my router downstairs using Cat5 cable.

Can anyone tell me, if I buy this (http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx?&CategorySelectedId=11178&PageMode=1&Quicklinx=3K7Q&NavigationKey=11178&PageOffset=0&RecordOffset=10&%20&v=1#infoarea) product and use it in repeater mode will the performance of the network deteriorate?

How do I wire the AP to my exisiting router - does it just connect to one of the spare ports on the router? Also what cable will I need - corssover or straight-connected cable?

Finally, does anyone know if the AP will have ports on it to enable me to connect more computers using cable if I want to in the future, instead of having to wire the cable to the router?

[G_Dem]

Can anyone tell me, if I buy this (http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx?&CategorySelectedId=11178&PageMode=1&Quicklinx=3K7Q&NavigationKey=11178&PageOffset=0&RecordOffset=10&%20&v=1#infoarea) product and use it in repeater mode will the performance of the network deteriorate?

No it shouldn't deteriorate, it will be much better than your current set up. As long as the ethernet cable isn't longer than about 100 feet.

How do I wire the AP to my exisiting router - does it just connect to one of the spare ports on the router?

Yep thats basically it. If the access point has DHCP and/or a firewall it will need to be turned off. Also you should assign a static IP address to it which is in the same range as the router and pc. It also needs to be in the same subnet and the default gateway of the access point will be the IP address of the router.

Also what cable will I need - corssover or straight-connected cable?

I believe most router and access points nowadays can use both when connecting them together. BUt you might have to check that.

Finally, does anyone know if the AP will have ports on it to enable me to connect more computers using cable if I want to in the future, instead of having to wire the cable to the router?

I dont think you can with that one because it only has one LAN port. You might be better off getting normal router. You can then set that one downstairs as the main router and use your current router upstairs as the access point. Again you will need to turn off dhcp and firewall on the wireless router and set it up the same as an access point. Then you have the bonus of having 3 spare LAN ports upstairs.