>For the last year or so I have had a Belkin model F5D6231-4 wireless router that is connected directly to my cable modem. I am using a Belkin 802-11b card on my Dell Inspiron notebook and it works very well.
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>However, my wife has a Compaq Presario 2100 notebook and the internet connection drops very frequently. The router is upstairs and the signal drops out when she is downstairs in our story and one-half home (living room area has vaulted walls so should be little interferance). Has anyone had similar experiences or can recommend a better wireless configuration?

Depending on the router, that distance in a home is usually enough to start causing significant signal loss. You might see if Belkin has either a stronger set of antennae for the router (I know Linksys makes them for their routes)or a repeater. The repeater doesn't require connection it just takes the incoming signal and boosts it.

HTH