Add a WiFi modem to the Actiontec M1424WR

Question

We have an Actiontec M1424WR Rev e modem/router.
We have the  Verizon Double Play bundle, Internet and Phone only, no TV, and with the iMac connected to the Actiontec via Ethernet cable, our speeds are excellent.  E.g., On a Saturday morhing, the iMac gets d/l speeds of 58Mbpa, u/l speeds of 34Mbps
The internet signal comes into the Actiontec via Coax cable.  
The Actiontec is located on the third floor of a three-floor townhouse.
The WiFi signal to the AppleTV three floors away can be _dismal_ at prime time in the evenings.  A recent Ookla speedtest returned 1.47 d/l, 3.58 u/l, 66 ping.
I have seen posts indicating that the Actiontec M1424WR gets poor ratings for WiFi signal strength and have seen posts claiming that you can turn off the WiFi on the Actiontec and add a WiFi capable modem with a good reputation for wireless strength.  Specifically, I see a lot of recommendations for ASUS routers.
Can any of you network gurus confirm this?
Would this be a good plan for acheiving better WiFi signals at the AppleTV?
Is there another way which does not involve pulling ethernet cable throughout the house?
Many thanks.
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Answer 1

I doubt any WiFi device will work well through 3 floors of a building.
Might you already have coax running to the TV on the first floor?  If so, a fairly simple solution would be a MoCA adapter, such as the Actiontec ECB 2200.