There are two methods used for the range boosters.
One is to take the antenna connection from your card and boost its gain
through a small amp to another better antenna.  The other is a repeater that
takes in the signal over the air and then amplifies it up to a higher
transmission power.

The main downsides quoted from users are that if the antenna is inside a
vehicle it really cuts down the range, the repeaters sometimes have
limitations on networks they can connect to so you need to read the fine
print, and that the ones needing your USB port for power seem to drain your
laptop power rather quickly.  However most said they do provide the extra
boost to get reliable connection to the access points at the larger RV
parks.

There are also products called "bridges".
Most of these use AC power but they take the regular ethernet port from
your computer and convert it to a wifi signal.  These come in various powers
for range extension as well.

jimt

On 9/23/05 9:20 PM, "David Marshall" <mailinglist@FASTFORWARD.CA> wrote:

> Have you personally tried this?  Seems like I will have to milk a few snakes
> to make it work?  I see no way of using a USB port as an antenna - just not
> even remotely the sale.
>
> Best thing to do is get an external PCMCIA card like the D-Link DFE-690TXD
> and then make an external antenna port on it.
>
> David Marshall
>
> Fast Forward Automotive Inc.
> 4356 Quesnel-Hixon Road
> Quesnel BC Canada  V2J 6Z3
>
> http://www.fastforward.ca    mailto:sales@fastforward.ca
> Phone: (250) 992 7775        FAX: (250) 992 1160
>
> - Vanagon Accessories and Engine Conversions
> - Vanagon, Transporter and Iltis Sales and Importation
> - European Lighting for most Volkswagen models
>
>
> Due to the large volume of email  we  receive,  PLEASE  include  previous
> emails when responding.  This will allow us to read the complete dialogue
> in one message and will result in quicker and more  accurate  responses.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
> Of Paul Guzyk
> Sent: September 23, 2005 10:52 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: WiFi booster antenna (NVC)
>
>
> This high gain antenna allows you to obtain wi-fi signals at a
> greater distance than any card built into your laptop.    Externally
> mounted, the vendor claims up to 1 mile range.  It's powered via your
> USB port.
>
> http://www.radiolabs.com/products/wireless/waverv.php
>
> Works with Mac's or PC's, Great for stealth camping.
>
> I have no relation to this company, just thought it would be a useful
> Westy upgrade for those of you that travel with laptops.
>
> If anyone has bought one, please share your experiences...
>
>