[LUGSB] Network card for Linux Access Point?

[JT]

I am setting up a server to act as a gateway/firewall for the house,
replacing a d-link router/wap.  Of course, the d-link does the job
perfectly, but its fun to screw things up and have everyone in the
house yell at you, and learn a bit in the process.  I know that you
can use a PCI wifi card and have it act as an access point, but I
think only some cards let you do that, and some are better than
others.  While I have a general idea of which brands to stay away
from, can anyone recommend a rock solid brand/chipset to use in this
server?

Thanks.