Exactly, SD, there may be an issue with the location of the router which affects the signal. Of course, the router may be on the way out or have a fault somewhere which means the signal is low.
So, a few questions.
1) How old is the router
2) Have you done a software upgrade on it recently (some can do this through the router menu)
3) Have you checked to make sure it is set to 802.11G and not "B" (some will default to "B" when yo do a master reset)
4) Location location location. Where is the router? What kind of building is your house? There can be so many factors like a run of pipework and/or electrical cables nearby (especially if your router is in a cupboard under the stairs, for example) that block the signal.
5) Have you borrowed a router from a friend to check to see if the same thing happens with another one? You could easily find out that the "location" is the problem then and save yourself a few bucks instead of splashing out on a Belkin and finding out you have the same problem.
6) When was the last time the router was switched off. Experience has told me that SOME routers will do strange things like drop the wireless completely if they are not switched off once in a while.
7) Is this a new problem or has it happened since day one. This could point to a issue with the router settings.
There's a few things for starters, hopefully we can resolve this and maybe save you some money.