How To Extend Your Wireless Range Using An Old Router

Jordan Emanuel

2 min read

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09-12-2024

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Frustrated with dead zones and weak Wi-Fi signals? Don't toss that old router! You can repurpose it to significantly extend your home network's reach and improve overall performance. This guide provides a simple, cost-effective solution to boost your Wi-Fi coverage.

Turning Your Old Router into a Wi-Fi Extender

Instead of buying an expensive extender, you can transform your spare router into a powerful and reliable signal booster. This method leverages the existing infrastructure of your primary router and creates a seamless, extended network.

Step 1: Understanding the Process

This process involves configuring your old router to operate as a wireless access point (WAP). Essentially, it will connect to your primary router via Ethernet cable, receiving the internet connection and rebroadcasting it with a stronger signal. This eliminates the need for the old router to handle internet traffic directly, improving both performance and reliability.

Step 2: Gather Your Equipment

You'll need:

• Your primary router: This is your main internet source.
• Your old router: This will become your Wi-Fi extender.
• An Ethernet cable: This will connect your old router to your primary router. A cable at least 6ft (1.8m) in length is recommended, but longer is better depending on your layout.

Step 3: Configure Your Old Router

This step varies depending on your router's manufacturer and model. Consult your old router's manual for specific instructions. However, the general process involves:

1. Connecting the Ethernet cable: Connect one end to your primary router's LAN port and the other end to one of the LAN ports (not the WAN port) on your old router.
2. Accessing the old router's settings: This usually involves connecting to its Wi-Fi network (the default SSID, often printed on the router itself) and accessing the administrative interface (usually via a web browser).
3. Disabling DHCP: DHCP automatically assigns IP addresses. Since your primary router will handle IP allocation, you need to disable DHCP on your old router to prevent IP address conflicts.
4. Setting a static IP address: Assign a static IP address to your old router within the range used by your primary router's network (ensure it does not conflict with another device on the network). This IP address should be outside the range typically assigned by the DHCP server.
5. Setting the wireless settings: Change the Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password of your old router to distinguish it from your primary network. You might consider adding "_ext" or similar to the name for clarity.
6. Saving and rebooting: Save the configuration changes and reboot your old router.

Step 4: Testing Your Extended Network

After rebooting, your old router should now broadcast its extended Wi-Fi network. Connect a device to this network and verify that you have internet access. Test the signal strength in areas previously affected by weak signals.

Important Considerations

• Security: Ensure both your primary router and your extended network use strong, unique passwords.
• Placement: Strategically place your old router to maximize signal coverage. Avoid placing it in areas with potential signal interference (e.g., microwave ovens, cordless phones).
• Firmware: Ensure both routers have the latest available firmware updates for optimal performance and security.
• Compatibility: While this method works for most routers, some older models may not be compatible with newer standards.

By following these steps, you can effectively extend your wireless range without the expense of a new Wi-Fi extender. Remember to consult your router's manual for specific instructions and to always prioritize network security.