Is there anything I can buy or do to increase my wireless network’s signal?

If you can, try relocating your equipment to a wider, more open area, or mount it on the wall, if your router came with brackets. If your router is confined to a particular part of your house, keep it away from metallic objects or steel shelving / cabinets as they can interfere with the network signal. Likewise, cordless phones can also reduce your range if they’re operating alongside other 2.4GHz devices. (Cordless phones that rely on a 5.8GHz frequency shouldn’t interfere with an 802.11b/g wireless signal).

Another possibility: Change your router’s channel to help extend coverage. Your router’s manual should have instructions on how to adjust the channel of your wireless network.

If the signal is still weak, you might want to invest in a repeater. You would place the repeater in a spot where your wireless signal is weak, and it would re-broadcast the signal to extend its reach.

Another solution would be to replace your current router with a multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) router. MIMO models promise better throughput at longer ranges than 802.11b/g devices can handle. Note, though, that while MIMO models may be advertised as “802.11n Draft” or “Pre-N” routers, they may not be compatible with the final 802.11n spec, which should be finalized early next year and will define next-generation wireless networking.

If you can wait a few months, products guaranteed to support 802.11n will be available then. The new 802.11n gear is expected to reach throughput speeds exceeding 300Mbps.