1st generation vs. 3rd generation Ipad and Cable TV Viewing app.

Question

I recently had the opportunity to borrow a 3rd generation ipad from work.  I brought it home and loaded the optimum online app. from my cable company that allows you to watch cable anywhere you are within range of your home WIFI supplied by them.
I was really surprised when I was able to take the ipad out back to the furthest most point of our property, where a summer screen house is set up,
and although the signal from my Netgear WNR834B v2 router was hovering around 1 or 2 signal strength on the iPad3, the quality of the TV signal being streamed did not waver at all.  The picture was absolutely pristine (after a few seconds) and there were absolutely no drop outs of the streaming video.  Again, THIS with absolute minimum signal strength.
I had to return the device to work, but picked up a used 1st generation iPad on ebay, and loaded the same optimum online app. onto it.  On the 1st generation device, the signal was both visually fuzzier (at that furthest point in the backyard) and had freezes and breaks in the streaming video at that same furthest point outside at the edge of the property.  It works great inside near the router or in most points in the house and is pristine.
My first question...did they updgrade some technology between the 1st and 3rd generation iPads that would account for the difference in the way the weak signal drops out on the 1st generartion device, but did not on the 3rd generation ipad?  Or could that be the app itself somehow making use of the upgraded technology between the two generation of devices?
My second question....I'm trying to figure out how to boost and extend the WIFI signal to that furthest point in the backyard, which is several hundred feet away from the house.  An Airport Extreme doesn't seem to provide that distance level of extention, unless I bought two, but that would require one of them being outside to cover the distance I'm trying to get to.  I'm contemplating purchasing an Amped Wireless Repeater and range Extender that advertises 10,000 square feet extention, but the reviews on the device are mixed.
Any input would be appreciated.

Answer 1

The major difference between the two versions is that Generation 2 and higher products allow simultaneous dual band wireless operation.
Your Time Capsule will produce either a 5 GHz or 2.4 GHz network, but not both simultaneously. Since you have iPhones connecting to the network, you are using the 2.4 GHz band.
Most of your newer devices are capable of connecting at the much faster 5 GHz speeds, but if you set your current Time Capsule up to operate at 5 GHz, the iPhones and iPod will not be able to connect.
A newer version Time Capsule produces both a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz signal simultaneously, so faster devices would connect to the 5 GHz band and slower devices connect to the 2.4 GHz band.
That being said, there is also something to be said for leaving well enough alone. Your call.