I have a linksys compact router, linked to a westell 2200 modem and I'm using Verizon DSL as my internet source. The airport strength indicator on my 20" iMac flucuates between 2 and 4 bars (strenght indicators) and the router is located directly next to the iMac. My wife has an MacPro notebook and we both have iTouch's so that's the purpose of the router. When 4 bars are indicated, the downloads flash by, with 3 or 2 bars, they are slow or even stop. My real question is, what dictates the airport indicators strength. The router, the modem or the phone line possibility. Oh yes the linksys router is an inexpensive "compact" model but it being located less than a foot from the iMac removes router location from the equation. Your help is appreciated.