Using 2 wireless routers?

Run several cables to both locations for now and check back when you're ready to buy something. Almost any netgear dual band router would work well. Setup is simple and the help menus actually are quite helpful. You would be amazed how much the WiFi coverage has improved with the newer designs since the 3400. I wish I was able to steer you to a certain model but I can't at this time.:D The longer you wait to buy the better off you'll be.

Yes, you can do this, but you should make sure that each router has a different SSID, and you will use one network when you are downstairs and another network when you are upstairs (your PC should choose the right/strongest signal automatically).

You don't need any special equipment to make this happen. If your modem has two RJ45 jacks (it probably doesn't), then plug the second router into the modem. If not, then plug the second router into the back of the first router, but I think you'll need to disable DHCP on the second router and let the first router handle issuing IP addresses over wifi. Your manual should help you with this.

Run entire house with CAT5e. CAT6 is optional for most but been NEW house I would use CAT6 entire house . Multiple outlet for CAT5e/6 should be done so that any loop or additional can be ready to go

If I where you design your base come out with patch panel and design so that your main router can sit.

I also get PoE capable AP and have PoE injector or PoE capable switch so that when you place AP with PoE capable, you do NOT need power outlet at all.

If you want something cool , look at open-mesh.com. It has more bells and whistle but you will like how you can setup easy , and able to monitor with cloud.

Most Netgear high end Dual Band routers have an AP Mode Function which works great. It's a five minute add-on once your first router and modem are connected if you already have cat5 ran to each location.. Trust me I own 5 of them and usually have 2 setup as AP's feed from main router. If you get 10 responses to this thread you'll get 10 different opinions. I have a 3 story home and have done lots of testing to see which setups yield the best connection rate(s). Units with AP mode allow you to use the turn off wireless via schedule and other functions. I like the time function it allows you to share the load and should extend radio life in the long run. I use 2 SSID's one for 2.4 and one for 5g. I also use different channels on each device. I use same passphrase for all and each unit is setup for the same connection rate/speed. This allows me to roam the house on 5g and the kids and wife roam using 2.4. This setup has provided a constant connection @ 300mbps on 5g and a 144 on 2.4 in my home and outside in the yard. Forget about using channel bonding on 2.4 to get faster connection rates they will interfere with each other.

Yes! Nothing works better than a wired network so if you have the money by all means wire the entire home you won't regret it.

Thanks everyone! Its good to know I have options.

Everytime I search the question of a second router it always based on the second router being completely wireless.

Looks like I am just going to run my network cable and figure the rest out later. The main modem and router will be set in the basement kind of in a "main hub" location right in the center. I will then run 3 cables from there. One will go to the Living room were my main TV components will be set up and the second will go the study were my desktop computer will be. The third will go to the second floor in a central closet which will house the second router.

I am not very technical when it comes to stuff so I would like to keep it simple if I can. Right now the only things on our wireless network are 2 iPhones, an iPad, iPod and occasionally my wifes work laptop.

Good idea.

Run CAT5e or 6 and look at open-mesh.com

they are EASY to setup... more feature than other and cloud management is the current trend so take a look at it ...