From what i have been able to gleen from friends and neighbors, if the WIFI router you are using is provided by the cable provider you NEED to get a better wireless router.
My neighbors are using "extenders" to get reception all around their house and outside, because their service provider supplied the router.
My service provider only supplied a cable modem so I had to buy a router. My router provides flawless WIFI service around the house and into the garden.
I have the Node 2i, the Powernode connected via Ethernet and the Pulse Mini speaker for remote WIFI use.
I use the Pulse Mini on the front porch and in the back garden without any issues or dropouts and my phone still connects to my WIFI at my neighbors house. Even 24/192 tracks on the Pulse Mini play without issue.
I use a Dlink DIR-878 router and it is in my utility room in the basement surrounded by metal ductwork and it still works great
Hope that helps