best range with a mix of B and G clients?

[alsonot]

Upgrading all the clients is not an option and there are 2-7 other networks of all various types in range at any given time, although most with very weak signals. I always have stablity and basement to bedroom range problems with my old SMC 2804WBR.

I'm also looking forward to using VOIP, so QOS, even via 3rd party firmware is a nice to have. My reading on this site to date has pointed me towards the $60 Buffalo Tech WHR-HP-G54 running DD-WRT or Tomato. Is that circa 2006 router what I'm looking for, or would it make sense to buy a new N router even if I'll only config it to use B/G?

I tried and couldn't figure this out with the wireless charts and misc. reviews, but I wasn't sure if I was looking at the right data given this specific, and probably common environment. Advice would be appreciated.

Misc. links to give context:
http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wireless/wireless-reviews/24214-mimoface
http://discuss.gdgt.com/buffalo/whr-hp-g54/tips/the-best-router-for-use-with-tomato-firmware/
http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/content/view/30437/55/
http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/WHR-HP-G54
http://www.buffalo-technology.com/p...erformance-broadband-router-and-access-point/

 

[thiggins]

As you noted, an N router won't help. What you want is a router with higher-than-normal transmit power and possibly higher gain antennas.

Yes, the Buffalo HP routers would be a good choice. On the client side, you also might look into higher-power adapters like the Engenius EUB-362 (or newer model).