thanks Joe, great info as usual.

Air Radar -- does not say signal to noise ratio. It says signal, and then noise.
Noise is at 0%.

So maybe I don't need the Extreme base then? just an extender?
Unfortunately the imac and the laptop are at fixed stations and there are heavy walls between - although only really 30 ft apart.

I'll probably get AE and test.

Ah, the noise just jumped to 19%. now back to 5%. I'm on channel 11. Still not much you can do about noise correct? There are no other networks to join, but mine right?

Last bit. I walked the laptop 30% over to the imac next to the router. It's showing a higher percentage than the imac. Went to 75% while the imac is at 65%. is that odd?