Are you tired of dealing with dead spots in your home or office? Do you have an old router collecting dust in a corner? If so, you’re in luck. In this article, we’ll show you how to breathe new life into that old router by turning it into a WiFi extender. This simple and cost-effective solution can help boost your internet signal, eliminate dead spots, and provide a stronger connection for all your devices.
Why Repurpose an Old Router as a WiFi Extender?
Before we dive into the process, let’s explore the benefits of repurposing an old router as a WiFi extender.
Cost-Effective Solution
Buying a brand-new WiFi extender can be expensive, especially if you’re on a tight budget. By repurposing an old router, you can save money and still achieve the same results.
Reduce Electronic Waste
Electronic waste is a growing concern worldwide. By giving your old router a new life, you’re reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and minimizing your carbon footprint.
Improve Internet Coverage
A WiFi extender can help boost your internet signal, eliminating dead spots and providing a stronger connection for all your devices.
What You’ll Need
To turn your old router into a WiFi extender, you’ll need the following:
Hardware Requirements
- An old router (preferably with a similar frequency band as your main router)
- A computer or laptop with an internet connection
- An Ethernet cable
Software Requirements
- DD-WRT or OpenWRT firmware (depending on your router model)
- A web browser
Step 1: Check Compatibility and Prepare Your Router
Before you start, make sure your old router is compatible with the firmware you’ll be using. Check the official websites of DD-WRT and OpenWRT to see if your router model is supported.
Backup Your Router’s Settings
If your router is still in use, backup its settings to avoid losing any important configuration data.
Reset Your Router to Its Factory Settings
Reset your router to its factory settings to ensure a clean slate for the new firmware.
Step 2: Install the New Firmware
Installing the new firmware is a crucial step in turning your old router into a WiFi extender.
Download the Firmware
Download the DD-WRT or OpenWRT firmware for your router model from the official website.
Upload the Firmware
Upload the firmware to your router using the web-based interface. Follow the instructions provided on the firmware website for specific upload instructions.
Wait for the Firmware to Install
Wait for the firmware to install and your router to reboot. This process may take several minutes.
Step 3: Configure Your Router as a WiFi Extender
Once the firmware is installed, it’s time to configure your router as a WiFi extender.
Connect to Your Router
Connect to your router using a computer or laptop and an Ethernet cable.
Access the Web-Based Interface
Access the web-based interface of your router by typing its IP address in a web browser.
Configure the WiFi Settings
Configure the WiFi settings to match your main router’s settings. This includes the SSID, channel, and encryption method.
Set the Operation Mode
Set the operation mode to “Repeater” or “Extender” mode, depending on the firmware you’re using.
Configure the IP Settings
Configure the IP settings to match your main router’s settings. This includes the IP address, subnet mask, and gateway.
Step 4: Test Your WiFi Extender
Once you’ve configured your router as a WiFi extender, it’s time to test it.
Connect to the Extended Network
Connect to the extended network using a device such as a laptop or smartphone.
Test the Internet Connection
Test the internet connection to ensure it’s stable and fast.
Check for Interference
Check for interference from other devices and adjust the WiFi channel accordingly.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your WiFi extender:
Place the Extender in a Central Location
Place the extender in a central location to ensure the best possible coverage.
Use a Wired Connection
Use a wired connection to connect the extender to your main router for a more stable connection.
Update the Firmware Regularly
Update the firmware regularly to ensure you have the latest features and security patches.
Conclusion
Turning an old router into a WiFi extender is a simple and cost-effective way to boost your internet signal and eliminate dead spots. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can give your old router a new life and improve your internet coverage. Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take necessary safety precautions when working with electrical devices.
What is a WiFi extender and how does it work?
A WiFi extender is a device that repeats the wireless signal from your router to extend its coverage to hard-to-reach areas of your home or office. It works by receiving the wireless signal from your router, amplifying it, and then rebroadcasting it to create a new network. This allows devices in the extended coverage area to connect to the internet as if they were directly connected to the router.
By using your old router as a WiFi extender, you can breathe new life into an old device and improve the overall WiFi coverage in your home or office. This can be especially useful in large spaces or areas with many physical barriers, such as walls or floors, that can disrupt the wireless signal.
What are the benefits of repurposing my old router as a WiFi extender?
Repurposing your old router as a WiFi extender can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to improve your WiFi coverage. By reusing an old device, you can avoid the cost of purchasing a new WiFi extender and reduce electronic waste. Additionally, this project can be a fun and rewarding DIY challenge for those who enjoy tinkering with technology.
Another benefit of using your old router as a WiFi extender is that it can be a more powerful and feature-rich solution than a dedicated WiFi extender. Many routers have more advanced features, such as multiple Ethernet ports and better wireless range, that can make them more effective at extending your WiFi coverage.
What do I need to get started with this project?
To get started with this project, you’ll need a few basic pieces of equipment. First, you’ll need your old router, which should be compatible with your current router’s WiFi standard (e.g., 802.11ac or 802.11n). You’ll also need a computer or mobile device with internet access, as well as a cable to connect your old router to your current router.
Additionally, you may need to update the firmware on your old router to ensure it’s compatible with your current router and to enable the WiFi extender feature. You can usually find firmware updates on the manufacturer’s website, and the process of updating the firmware will vary depending on the specific router model.
How do I configure my old router as a WiFi extender?
Configuring your old router as a WiFi extender will vary depending on the specific router model and firmware. Generally, you’ll need to access the router’s web-based interface using a computer or mobile device, and then navigate to the WiFi settings or advanced settings section. From there, you can enable the WiFi extender feature and configure the settings to match your current router’s WiFi network.
Some common settings you may need to configure include the WiFi channel, network name (SSID), and network password. You may also need to set the old router to bridge mode or access point mode, depending on the specific router model and firmware. Be sure to consult the router’s user manual or online documentation for specific instructions.
Can I use any old router as a WiFi extender?
Not all old routers can be used as WiFi extenders. The router should be compatible with your current router’s WiFi standard (e.g., 802.11ac or 802.11n), and it should have the necessary features and settings to enable the WiFi extender feature. Additionally, the router should be in good working condition and have a strong wireless signal.
Some older routers may not have the necessary features or settings to work as a WiFi extender, or they may not be compatible with your current router. In these cases, it may be better to purchase a dedicated WiFi extender or upgrade to a newer router that has better range and features.
Will using my old router as a WiFi extender affect my internet speed?
Using your old router as a WiFi extender can potentially affect your internet speed, depending on the specific router model and configuration. WiFi extenders can introduce some latency and reduce the overall WiFi speed, especially if the extender is not configured correctly or if there is interference from other devices.
However, if you configure the WiFi extender correctly and place it in a location with a strong wireless signal, the impact on internet speed should be minimal. Additionally, many modern routers have features such as Quality of Service (QoS) that can help prioritize traffic and minimize the impact of the WiFi extender on internet speed.
Are there any security risks associated with using my old router as a WiFi extender?
As with any network device, there are potential security risks associated with using your old router as a WiFi extender. If the router is not configured correctly or if the firmware is not up to date, it can create a security vulnerability that can be exploited by hackers.
To minimize the security risks, be sure to update the firmware on your old router to the latest version, and configure the WiFi extender feature correctly. You should also ensure that the router is set to use WPA2 encryption and that the network password is strong and unique. Additionally, consider disabling any unnecessary features or services on the router to reduce the attack surface.