Suggestions for wireless Mbit router and NIC card

I'm looking at using my system to host the Internet and some file access for my father's computer located downstairs and across a good-sized brick home. I've installed countless networks over the years, going back to when they didn't work in 1983! I've been less than impressed with wireless routers, especially when any decent distance is involved and any brick, stories or solid walls. Most of my network design and support has been with businesses and always with 10/100 hard-wired setups.

Since my new system has a fancy 10/100/1000 NIC built-in, I've been looking at those items that support it. I tried out a Motorola SB-6120 cable modem with 1Mbit connection and it worked well enough, but as it's not implemented by the cable companies yet it was rather pointless. Sure, I could connect to it really really fast, but it didn't do anything for the download/upload speeds since they're still limited by the cable company and not impeded at my end.

Currently running Win XP 32-bit at both ends. Won't use Vista and will likely make jump on server to Win 7 next year. His system has standard built-in 10/100 and no wireless NIC.

And I've got the odd router/switch laying around here but figured why not try out the 1Mbit stuff. My plan is to try it out as a wireless setup, then fall back on wired if not happy with it. So any suggestions for a 1Mbit wireless router?

And I'd need a fast wireless NIC to complement it for remote computer. Again, any suggestions?

Thanks for any advice - and I'm over in the Motherboards/Memory section answering questions and ready to return the favor!