Highly variable internet speed via xFi-pods

I have this very curious problem, my 'gateway' gets excellent speed in the 400+ range consistently. My office computer links via a xFi pod. It gets acceptable speed (80's) much of the time, but might only get 3-5 speed during some periods when the 'gateway' appears unaffected. My cell phone via wifi also drops calls at these times. Thoughts? Would the new pods improve this?

My home arrangement is far from optimal. My router is at one end of the house, a line of pods connects it to the farther reaches where my office is, should this matter.