If you have an old router sitting in a drawer, why not give it a second life as a repeater? This is a simple and inexpensive way to extend your WiFi network signal to areas of your home where the signal is weak.
First, you need to check if the old router supports the repeater or bridge function. Some very old routers do not have this feature, so it is important to check the documentation or search the internet for information on the specific model you have.
Once you have verified that your old router can serve as a cheap WiFi repeater, you can continue with this guide.
What is a WiFi repeater?
Before explaining how to turn an old router into a repeater, it is important to understand what is a wifi repeater and how does it work.
A WiFi repeater is a device used to extend the coverage of a wireless network. It is especially useful in large houses, apartments with many rooms or in offices where the WiFi signal does not reach all corners.
The repeater connects to the existing WiFi network and retransmits the signal to extend its range. In this way, you can connect to the Internet in areas of the house where the signal did not reach before.
What do you need to convert an old router into a repeater?
If you like turn an old router into a repeater, you need the following items:
An old router that you no longer use An Ethernet cable A computer or laptop Basic knowledge of network configuration
Now connect your old router to the main router using an Ethernet cable, make sure both the old router and the main router are turned on.
Now it’s time to access the control panel of the old WiFi router through the IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). If you’re not sure of the old router’s IP address, check the user’s manual or look on the manufacturer’s website. Once you have entered the IP address of the router that will act as a WiFi repeater, you should see a login page. Enter the username and password to access the router settings.
Look for the “Repeater Mode” or “Bridge Mode” option. This option can be in different places depending on the model and brand, if you are not sure where it is, check your user manual. Follow the instructions on the screen to set up the wireless connection. You may need to enter the Primary Wi-Fi Network information of the main routersuch as the network name (SSID) and password.
Finally, place the old router in a strategic place where it can receive the signal from the main router and at the same time distribute the amplified signal.
The drawback to this method is that you will need to have a long enough Ethernet cable that you can place the old router far enough away to extend and improve the main router’s WiFi signal.
If you have followed these steps to turn an old router into a wifi repeateryou can now enjoy a stronger wireless signal with greater coverage.
Remember that this solution is ideal for large houses or with several floors, where the signal from the main router does not reach all corners.
