What hardware is needed?

I have a couple of friends that live 3 houses from each other and one wants to share his network with his other friend but they can't get a good enough signal to make it work. The friend ( a) bought a range extender but it didn't seem to help. What if any hardware (b) purchase that could get him there? All I have seen is its a tower with a pci nic card with external ant. could something like an cable extention and maybe a higher dpi antenna get him there? If so what should I look for ?

can make a cantenna i made one and i get a 32% wireless G signal from about 1000ft. was trying to link me and my cousins networks.
tp-link also has some BA antennas for like $45 on newegg reviews say with one on each end you can go like 3+ miles with them. think satellite dish looking antenna (((((>

Could I get any more help on this subject. Maybe some likes for ideas?