How To Extend Your Wireless Range Using An Old Router

Ed Bradley

2 min read

·

09-12-2024

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Frustrated with dead zones and weak Wi-Fi signals? Don't toss that old router just yet! You can repurpose it to significantly extend your network's reach and improve connectivity throughout your home or office. This guide provides a straightforward method for turning your obsolete hardware into a powerful Wi-Fi extender.

Understanding the Basics: Access Point Mode

The key to extending your Wi-Fi range lies in understanding how routers operate. Most modern routers can function not only as a router (connecting to your modem and distributing internet) but also as an access point (simply extending an existing Wi-Fi network). By configuring your old router in access point mode, you're essentially creating a second Wi-Fi network that piggybacks on your main network.

What You'll Need:

• An old router: Ensure it's compatible with your main router's frequency (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).
• An Ethernet cable: This cable will physically connect your old router to your main router.
• Basic networking knowledge: While not overly complex, a rudimentary understanding of network settings will be helpful.

Step-by-Step Guide to Extending Your Wi-Fi Range:

1. Connect your old router to your main router: Use the Ethernet cable to connect a LAN port on your old router to a LAN port on your main router (not the WAN/internet port). Avoid connecting to the WAN port on the old router; this is crucial for access point mode.

2. Access your old router's configuration: Find the router's IP address (usually found in its documentation or by searching your network devices). Open a web browser and enter the IP address in the URL bar. This will take you to the router's administration interface. The exact process varies depending on the router's manufacturer, but generally, you'll need a username and password. (Check the router's documentation if you've forgotten these credentials).

3. Configure the old router for Access Point Mode: This is where the specifics will vary greatly between router models. Look for options like "Access Point Mode," "Bridge Mode," or "Repeater Mode" in the router's settings. Crucially, you must disable the DHCP server on your old router. DHCP assigns IP addresses, and having two DHCP servers on the same network causes conflicts.

4. Configure the SSID and Password: Decide whether to use the same SSID (network name) and password as your main router or create a separate one. Using the same SSID creates a seamless experience, but a separate SSID can help you easily identify which devices are connected to which network.

5. Save and Reboot: Save your settings and reboot both routers. This allows the changes to take effect.

6. Test Your Extended Network: Check the Wi-Fi signal strength in previously weak areas. You should notice a significant improvement in your network coverage.

Troubleshooting:

If you encounter problems, double-check the following:

• Correct cable connections: Ensure the Ethernet cable is correctly connected to a LAN port on both routers.
• Disabled DHCP server: Verify that the DHCP server is disabled on your old router.
• Correct SSID and password: Ensure that the SSID and password are entered correctly on both routers if using the same network name.
• Firewall settings: Adjust firewall settings on both routers if necessary to allow communication between them.

By following these steps, you can breathe new life into your old router, significantly improving your home or office Wi-Fi coverage at no additional cost. Remember to consult your router's manual for specific instructions, as the settings may vary slightly between brands and models.