Are you tired of dealing with weak WiFi signals in your home or office? Do you have an old router lying around, collecting dust? If so, you’re in luck! You can breathe new life into that old router by repurposing it as a WiFi extender. In this article, we’ll show you how to use an old router as a WiFi extender wirelessly, extending your WiFi coverage and eliminating dead spots.
Why Use an Old Router as a WiFi Extender?
Before we dive into the process, let’s explore why using an old router as a WiFi extender is a brilliant idea:
- Reduce Electronic Waste: Instead of tossing your old router in the trash, give it a new purpose. This approach is environmentally friendly and reduces e-waste.
- Save Money: You don’t need to invest in a brand-new WiFi extender or access point. Your old router can do the job just as well, saving you money in the process.
- Improve WiFi Coverage: By repurposing your old router as a WiFi extender, you can significantly improve WiFi coverage in your home or office, ensuring a stronger signal and fewer dropped connections.
Preparation is Key
Before you begin, make sure you have the following:
- An old router (preferably one that’s not too ancient)
- A computer or laptop with internet access
- A working internet connection
- The old router’s power adapter
- A network cable (RJ-45)
Step 1: Reset the Old Router
To use your old router as a WiFi extender, you need to start from a clean slate. Resetting the router will erase all its settings, including any passwords or configurations.
- Locate the reset button on the back or bottom of the router. It’s usually a small pinhole or a recessed button.
- Use a paper clip or a sharp object to press and hold the reset button for 10-15 seconds.
- Release the button and wait for the router to reboot.
Step 2: Configure the Old Router
Now that the router is reset, it’s time to configure it as a WiFi extender:
- Connect the old router to your computer using a network cable (RJ-45).
- Open a web browser and type the router’s default IP address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
- Log in to the router using the default admin username and password (usually “admin” for both).
- Change the admin username and password to secure your router. Make sure to note them down, as you’ll need them later.
- Look for the “Wireless Settings” or “WiFi Settings” section and make the following changes:
- Set the wireless mode to “Repeater” or “Access Point” (the exact option may vary depending on the router model).
- Set the wireless network name (SSID) to match your main router’s SSID.
- Set the channel to “Auto” or match the channel used by your main router.
Step 3: Connect the Old Router to Your Main Router
It’s time to connect the old router to your main router:
- Place the old router in the area where you want to extend your WiFi coverage.
- Connect the old router to your main router using a network cable (RJ-45). You can connect it to one of the LAN ports on your main router.
- Ensure the old router is powered on and the lights are stable.
Step 4: Configure the Old Router as a WiFi Extender
Now that the old router is connected to your main router, it’s time to configure it as a WiFi extender:
- Log back into the old router’s web interface using the new admin username and password you created earlier.
- Look for the “Wireless Settings” or “WiFi Settings” section and make the following changes:
- Set the “Repeater” or “Access Point” mode to “Enabled”.
- Set the “Repeater IP” or “Access Point IP” to an IP address within the same subnet as your main router (e.g., 192.168.0.100).
- Set the “Repeater IP Gateway” or “Access Point IP Gateway” to your main router’s IP address (e.g., 192.168.0.1).
Step 5: Test Your WiFi Extender
You’ve finally done it! It’s time to test your old router-turned-WiFi-extender:
- Connect to the extended WiFi network using your device (smartphone, laptop, or tablet).
- Check your internet connection to ensure it’s working properly.
- Move around the area where you placed the old router to ensure the WiFi signal is strong and stable.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter any issues during the process, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Make sure the old router is properly configured and connected to your main router.
- Check the cables and ensure they are securely connected.
- Restart both routers and try again.
- If you’re using a dual-band router, try switching to a single-band mode or vice versa.
Conclusion
Repurposing an old router as a WiFi extender is a clever way to breathe new life into old hardware and improve your WiFi coverage. By following these steps, you can create a reliable and stable WiFi extender that will eliminate dead spots and ensure a strong signal throughout your home or office. So, don’t throw away that old router just yet – give it a new purpose and enjoy the benefits of extended WiFi coverage!
What are the Benefits of Using My Old Router as a WiFi Extender?
Using your old router as a WiFi extender is a cost-effective way to extend your WiFi coverage without having to purchase a new device. Additionally, this can also help reduce electronic waste and make your old router useful again. This method also allows you to have a stronger and more stable WiFi connection throughout your home or office, reducing dead zones and dropped calls.
By repurposing your old router, you can create a mesh network that provides a seamless WiFi experience. This can be especially useful for larger homes or offices where WiFi signals may be weak in certain areas. With your old router acting as a WiFi extender, you can enjoy faster data transfer speeds, reduced lag, and a more reliable connection for all your devices.
Do I Need Any Specific Hardware or Software to Use My Old Router as a WiFi Extender?
To use your old router as a WiFi extender, you’ll need a few specific pieces of hardware and software. First, you’ll need a router that supports wireless bridging or repeater mode. Not all routers have this feature, so be sure to check your router’s documentation or manufacturer’s website to confirm. You’ll also need a computer or mobile device with an internet connection.
In terms of software, you may need to update your router’s firmware to enable wireless bridging or repeater mode. This process typically involves logging into your router’s web interface and following the manufacturer’s instructions. Additionally, you may need to configure your router’s settings to connect to your main router and extend the WiFi signal. This can usually be done through the router’s web interface or mobile app.
How Do I Set Up My Old Router as a WiFi Extender?
To set up your old router as a WiFi extender, start by placing the router in a location where it can receive a strong WiFi signal from your main router. Next, log into your old router’s web interface and navigate to the wireless settings. Look for an option to enable wireless bridging or repeater mode, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to configure the settings.
Once you’ve enabled wireless bridging or repeater mode, you’ll need to connect your old router to your main router using an Ethernet cable. This will allow the two routers to communicate with each other and extend the WiFi signal. Finally, configure your old router’s WiFi settings to match those of your main router, including the WiFi network name (SSID) and password.
Will Using My Old Router as a WiFi Extender Affect My Internet Speed?
Using your old router as a WiFi extender can affect your internet speed, but the impact depends on several factors. The type of router you’re using, the quality of the WiFi signal, and the distance between the routers can all influence internet speed. In general, using your old router as a WiFi extender can reduce internet speed by 50% or more, especially if you’re using an older router with slower WiFi speeds.
However, if you’re using a newer router with faster WiFi speeds, the impact on internet speed may be less noticeable. Additionally, if you’re using a wired Ethernet connection to connect your old router to your main router, this can help minimize the impact on internet speed. To maximize internet speed, try to place your old router in a location where it can receive a strong WiFi signal, and consider upgrading to a newer router with faster WiFi speeds.
Can I Use Multiple Old Routers as WiFi Extenders?
Yes, you can use multiple old routers as WiFi extenders to create a mesh network that provides WiFi coverage throughout your home or office. This can be especially useful for larger spaces where a single WiFi extender may not be enough to provide reliable coverage. To set up multiple routers as WiFi extenders, simply repeat the process of configuring each router as a WiFi extender, making sure to connect each router to your main router using an Ethernet cable.
Keep in mind that using multiple routers as WiFi extenders can create a more complex network, which may require more technical expertise to set up and manage. Additionally, you may need to invest in more Ethernet cables and potentially upgrade your internet plan to handle the increased network traffic. However, with multiple routers working together, you can create a robust and reliable WiFi network that meets your needs.
How Do I Troubleshoot Issues with My Old Router as a WiFi Extender?
If you’re experiencing issues with your old router as a WiFi extender, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem. First, try restarting both your old router and your main router to see if this resolves the issue. If the problem persists, check the Ethernet connection between the two routers to ensure it’s secure and functioning properly.
Next, log into your old router’s web interface and check the wireless settings to ensure that wireless bridging or repeater mode is enabled and configured correctly. You can also try resetting your old router to its factory settings and reconfiguring it as a WiFi extender. If none of these steps resolve the issue, you may need to consider upgrading to a newer router or seeking technical support from the manufacturer or a networking expert.
Is Using My Old Router as a WiFi Extender Secure?
Using your old router as a WiFi extender can be secure if you take certain precautions. First, make sure to change the default admin password and network password on your old router to prevent unauthorized access. You should also enable WPA2 encryption and set up a guest network to separate your extended WiFi network from your main network.
Additionally, be sure to keep your old router’s firmware up to date and install any security patches as they become available. This can help prevent hackers from exploiting vulnerabilities in your router’s software. By taking these steps, you can minimize the risk of security breaches and keep your WiFi network safe and secure.