My Kindle, both iphones, and wifes iPad keep losing WIFI but our laptops never lose it...

MakeShift
Hmmm, interesting about the different bands, I had n't thought of this.  I have the opposite problem.  The tablets and phones find the wireless all of the time, but the laptops loose the signal if left idle for a few minutes.

RobertB
That particular version has a built-in DSL modem. It won't work with a cable connection.
I don't think you want that. Since your service provider is Comcast, and you have the WNR2000, I am guessing you already have a cable modem.
The router only version is the WNDR4000(N750):
http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_query=Netgear+Wndr4000&adid=22222222220206392820&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=e&wl1=s&wl2=c&wl3=26675312667&wl4=&veh=sem
I have installed 80-100 of these in the past few months, and they seem to be pretty robust units.
How many wireless devices do you have connected?
Most routers that I have seen will support a limited number of wireless devices, usually 6. If you have more than that, they will take turns bumping each other out.
The router will dismiss inactive devices to make room, and you may see what slartabartfast mentioned.
The WNR2000 is really a pretty basic unit, and the WNDR4000 will definitely outperform it.
As for extenders, think of them as a relay station to extend the range. A repeater, if you will.
If your wireless device is in range of both the base and the extender, it can actually cause more problems than it solves. I have had to remove several of these from home networks because they were not appropriate for the scenario.
 

jbow
I wonder what they use at a place like a hotel or coffee shop where LOTS of devices may be in use at any time. I'm sure that they don't spend more than they have to.

RobertB
That particular version has a built-in DSL modem. It won't work with a cable connection.
I don't think you want that. Since your service provider is Comcast, and you have the WNR2000, I am guessing you already have a cable modem.
The router only version is the WNDR4000(N750):
http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_query=Netgear+Wndr4000&adid=22222222220206392820&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=e&wl1=s&wl2=c&wl3=26675312667&wl4=&veh=sem
I have installed 80-100 of these in the past few months, and they seem to be pretty robust units.
How many wireless devices do you have connected?
Most routers that I have seen will support a limited number of wireless devices, usually 6. If you have more than that, they will take turns bumping each other out.
The router will dismiss inactive devices to make room, and you may see what slartabartfast mentioned.
The WNR2000 is really a pretty basic unit, and the WNDR4000 will definitely outperform it.
As for extenders, think of them as a relay station to extend the range. A repeater, if you will.
If your wireless device is in range of both the base and the extender, it can actually cause more problems than it solves. I have had to remove several of these from home networks because they were not appropriate for the scenario.
 

RobertB
I've been doing some research today because this question has piqued my interest.
Among other things, it appears that the 6 device limit is somewhat of a myth perpetrated from dealing with an older generation of routers.
Most current routers should have a theoretical limit of 255 devices, based on what I have found. Of course, actually connecting that many devices would slow the system down severely.
The more devices you have connected, the more chance there is of interference between the devices, so drop-offs may not indicate the router is overloaded.
In particular, if you have an older G device, it can force the router into G mode, and will slow everything else down and may cause a dropout when switching modes.
The dual band routers allow you to distribute your devices better.
I do believe the N750 would do what you need.
Netgear also has the R6100/R6200 models that support 802.11ac. It's a newer protocol, and is very fast.
I tend to favor Netgear. We use Netgear and Cisco routers, and the Ciscos are consistently slower on throughput, as well as having a relatively high failure rate.
One thing that seems odd is that your i-devices don't retain the password.
I'm not sure what's up with that.
As for the cable connection, now we are in my realm.
My day to day job is cleaning up cable signal.
You can relocate the modem to another room if:
The cable in your home is proper size(RG6). Many homes are wired with RG59 because the builders thought they could save a few bucks. RG59 is crap.
The connectors are good. Crimp connectors introduce a ton of noise. Even though you may have good levels, if there is enough noise, your cable internet connection will be compromised.
Reconfiguring splitters to get the proper level to any outlet in the house is easy.
Ideally, the line serving your modem should be a dedicated line directly from the primary splitter.
High demand devices, such as game consoles, or video streaming (think Netflix)are best with a physical connection.
A high, central location is best for wireless.
Sometimes you have to compromise. Bear in mind that interior walls on the first floor of an existing two story house are virtually impossible to access.
You'll probably want a tech to make sure the relocation is successful.
With luck, you'll get a good one.
If he asks questions about what you want, checks behind the wall plate, and uses a meter, you are probably in good hands.