can a PC with a wireless card act as a "software base station"and be a repeater to extend wifi range?

Hi all -

Can one use a PC with a wireless card in it as a repeater to sit on the
edge of the wifi signal and re-transmit to extend the range? I have a laptop
with a wireless card in it which is hardly ever used, and it occurs to me
that if this is possible, there might be software I can run on it which
would enable me to leave it somewhere in the house where the signal is weak
and have it retransmit it outwards, thus increasing the range. My Mac laptop
has an Airport card with an option called "software base station"; this
seems somewhat analogous. Can it be done? Any ideas would be welcome!

Mike

> Can one use a PC with a wireless card in it as a repeater to sit on the
> edge of the wifi signal and re-transmit to extend the range? I have a laptop
> with a wireless card in it which is hardly ever used, and it occurs to me
> that if this is possible, there might be software I can run on it which

Well you would probably be better just equipping it with 2 network cards
and set the second on in Adhoc mode. Won't allow roaming though from
the main AP.

Personally, you'd be just as well off if you can using a second AP.

David.