Poor WiFi reception.

[Guest tepss]

I am happy htc hero user for 2 days. Tmobile (uk) branded. My problems started from the very begining. My phone was able to see my router and even connect with full signal strength but connection was inactive - couldnt do anything, browser giving error like no network connection available. I did my search and found kernel might have some issues with wpa psk coding. Tried all the settings on router (even with open network) - nothing helped. Updated to MoDaCo 3.1 rom and radio updated to newest available (downgraded using goldcard to root). Now i got wireless, can connect but its kinda slow (slower than 3g/hsdpa) and signal is very weak. I cant get signal at all downstairs where htc touch hd and nokia e71 both show ab 50% ?! even if i go to bathroom signal strength drops to 30% while htc touch hd and nokia e71 got ab 70%.

Router is netgear dg834g v5 - virgin.

Any suggestions please. I really like the device and this is only but major drawback.