Turning an old router into a Wi-Fi booster is a cost-effective way to spread your Wi-Fi network. By setting up your router as an extender, you can say goodbye to weak signals in your house or workplace. This guide will show you how to do it with cables or wirelessly, avoiding the need for new gear.
Many up-to-date routers like the Asus AiMesh series can extend Wi-Fi. But, don’t overlook older routers, as they can be quite handy too. Even if extending Wi-Fi might slow down your speed a bit, it’s a good fix. Just check if your routers are 802.11n standard compatible for better speed and performance.
Understanding Wi-Fi Extenders
Expanding your wireless network’s reach is key for good connectivity at home. Wi-Fi extenders, or wireless range boosters, boost your network’s coverage.
What is a Wi-Fi Extender?
A Wi-Fi extender boosts and sends your Wi-Fi signal further. It picks up your router’s signal and retransmits it. This wipes out dead zones and reaches all corners of your home easily.
Benefits of Using a Wi-Fi Extender
- Enhanced Coverage: Extenders spread your network’s range, giving every part of your home, including the yard, strong Wi-Fi.
- Reduced Latency: Some models, like the TP-Link RE605X, cut down latency for better network performance.
- Cost-Effective Solutions: Affordable devices, like the TP-Link RE220, provide steady Wi-Fi speeds on a budget.
When to Use a Wi-Fi Extender
Extenders shine in several situations:
- Large Homes: In big homes, one router might not cover everything. Extenders help spread the signal everywhere.
- Dead Zones: Areas with no signal, often due to walls or distance, get a boost from extenders.
- Outdoor Spaces: For strong Wi-Fi in your yard or patio, extenders can create a complete network.
Wi-Fi extenders fix common issues, improving your home’s internet access. They ensure fast, reliable coverage everywhere.
Check Router Compatibility
Before using an old router as a Wi-Fi extender, it’s crucial to check if it’s compatible. We’ll guide you through what to look for to get the best performance.
Supported Wi-Fi Standards
One key thing to check is the router’s Wi-Fi standard. For a good extension, your router should support at least the 802.11 Wi-Fi standard. Look for 802.11n or newer standards like 802.11ac. These provide high bandwidths and prevent network slowdowns.
Check your router’s specs to make sure it supports the needed standards. For instance, Asus AiMesh routers boost coverage by linking up with 17 compatible Asus models.
Checking Router Firmware
It’s also important to update your router’s firmware. Updated firmware boosts security and connectivity, keeping your internet stable. Most compatible routers have simple update processes in their settings.
Brands like Netgear and Linksys let you update firmware easily. Netgear’s Genie software, for example, turns models like the R7000 into Wi-Fi extenders. Updated firmware unlocks all your router’s features.
Focus on these two points—Wi-Fi standards and firmware updates—when setting up your router. Doing so improves network performance and expands wireless reach.
Can a Router Be Used as an Extender?
Nowadays, everyone wants to stay connected. Many ask if their old or spare router can boost Wi-Fi at home. Yes, most modern routers can be reshaped to strengthen the wireless signal.
First, see if your router has Access Point (AP) mode or can set a static IP and turn off DHCP. These features let you change your router into a Wi-Fi extender easily. Using AP mode makes setup straightforward and expands Wi-Fi reach with fewer tech tweaks.
Even older routers can become extenders, despite missing newer dual-band or tri-band features. By updating the firmware with DD-WRT or Tomato, you can boost older models’ performance. This lets them keep up with new Wi-Fi extenders.
Turning an old router into an extender also helps reduce electronic waste. This makes it a green choice. Still, remember not every router has needed settings like AP mode, static IPs, or the ability to disable DHCP.
Companies like NETGEAR lead with their tech. Products like the EX7500 Nighthawk X4S and the EX8000 Nighthawk X6S use FastLane3™ technology. This gives better performance by adding a third radio to avoid signal loss seen with other extenders.
The NETGEAR Orbi WiFi System, including models like the Orbi AC3000, offers a tri-band setup. It surpasses rivals like Google WiFi. NETGEAR’s own tests show Orbi systems are about 100% faster.
So, extending your Wi-Fi through router reuse is both easy and affordable. Check your devices for compatibility and update them if needed. This will improve your home’s wireless coverage. Enjoy smooth internet use anywhere at home.
Setting Up a Spare Router as an Extender Using Ethernet
Turning your spare router into an extender can greatly improve your home network. By following these easy steps, you’ll get seamless connectivity and wide network coverage.
Connect via Ethernet Cable
First, link your main router to the spare one with an Ethernet cable. This connection is key for transferring data efficiently. It avoids bandwidth split unlike when using a router as a wireless repeater.
Access Admin Settings
After linking the routers, access your spare router’s admin page. Open a web browser and enter the router’s IP address. It’s usually 192.168.1.1, but brands like Asus might use a different one. Then, use the default login info (often admin, password, or 1234).
Enable AP Mode
In the admin area, find and turn on Access Point (AP) mode. This step is key for integrating your spare router into the network. Remember to turn off the DHCP server on the spare router to avoid IP issues.
Save and Apply Settings
After setting AP mode, save and apply your changes. Wait a bit for these changes to work. Proper setup ensures a smooth network expansion. This is crucial for mesh networks, using devices like Asus routers that support AiMesh.
In the end, a direct Ethernet link and correct configuration can greatly enhance your network. This setup maximizes speed and reduces lag, making your extended network more effective.
Setting Up a Spare Router as a Wi-Fi Repeater Without Ethernet
Turning your spare router into a Wi-Fi repeater is easier than it sounds. You will need to adjust your router’s settings. By doing this, you can extend your Wi-Fi coverage without using Ethernet cables.
Log Into Admin Settings
Begin by opening your spare router’s admin page in a web browser. You can type the router’s IP address, like 192.168.1.1, into the browser. Use the default username and password found on the router or in its manual. This lets you change settings to set up the router as a repeater.
Update Router Firmware
It’s important to update your router’s firmware for the best performance. Go to the admin settings to find the firmware update option. If you have an older router, you might need to manually download the firmware from the website. The update improves security and adds features for setting up your repeater.
Select Repeating Mode
Find the Repeating Mode setting in your router’s options. It might be called “Wireless Repeater Mode” or “Bridge Mode.” This lets your router connect wirelessly to your main network, and work as an extender without cables.
Connect to Main Router’s Wi-Fi
In Repeating Mode, pick your main router’s Wi-Fi from the list. You’ll need to enter its password. Make sure the SSID and password are the same as your main router. This connects the two routers and extends your Wi-Fi range.
Apply and Save Settings
After setting everything up, don’t forget to save and apply your changes. Your router will restart as a Wi-Fi repeater. Check if the Wi-Fi signal is stronger in places it wasn’t before. For the best results, set a different SSID and password for the repeater to avoid confusion.
This guide helps you boost your Wi-Fi by using a spare router as a repeater. This works with any router, like the Netgear EX3700 or an Asus AiMesh. You’ll improve your Wi-Fi without needing Ethernet cables.
