Media for WDS Bridges? New tack

WDS Bridges? New tack

Trying desperately to keep up, and running as fast as I can, herewith two questions, with preamble...

Reading the wikipedia entry on wireless bridges apparently originated by Jeff Lieberman, it appears a WDS bridge may accomplish my objective, which is:

See and select from various wifi APs with my wifi card-enabled laptop using some retransmission device at a higher location to enhance what my laptop could otherwise do by itself if it were in range of said APs.

This device has to be free-standing, no physical connection between my laptop or the APs. Ideally outdoor protected, but that can be worked out. Power can be provided; ideally 12V, but that can be worked out. Whether by my laptop's XP-provided, or the device-provided software, or some other means, my computer must be able to identify and select from various APs, whether of the same manufacture as the bridge or not.

Ideally, said device will have an amp in it to boost the signal, or have the ability to daisychain an amp between the output and the antenna; somewhere between 200 and 1000mw seems common.

I don't want to buy any more non-proven-to-purpose gear. I've got plenty of money and agonizingly more than plenty of time invested in non-productive solutions.

Question 1: Does a WDS bridge accomplish my end?

Question 2: And, if so, what do users of any of those have to recommend as the choice of make and model?

Thanks.

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