If your ISP has provided you with a new router, or you simply prefer to upgrade your existing router, you will encounter a problem. What should you do with the old router? In the case of switching Internet service providers, you will be asked to return the old device. But if you have a backup router in your home, here are some ways you can reuse it.
What can old wifi routers be used for?
1. Build a wireless repeater
What if the Wi-Fi network is not wide enough across the entire home range? Although you can choose Ethernet adapters, adding a second router is probably a better option.
This means connecting the old router to the new wireless network using a Wi-Fi signal. Then it can share access to Wi-Fi networks and provide greater coverage. Although there may be some latency issues, this is generally a quick and easy way to expand the wireless network coverage indoors.
There are many different uses, from allowing better Wi-Fi access to a 'dead spot' in the house, to allowing you to stream videos to your tablet while still in the garden.
Refer to the article: 5 ways to expand the Wi-Fi network range for more details.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi for guests
If you often have visitors and use Wifi, why not give them a private Wifi network?
This is similar to the wireless repeater above, but it's still a bit different. The router connects to the current network, is password protected, but allows new devices to access without a password, thanks to the old router's guest network feature, and by default will prevent visitors from accessing the device. other devices on the home network.
If this security level is insufficient, check the firewall settings on the main router to adjust this section.
3. Create a cheap Internet radio transmitter
Want to enjoy your favorite radio stations on the Internet? Some routers can be configured to play Internet radio, if you are about to install the OpenWrt or DD-WRT custom router firmware.
Some other software is also required and you will need a USB sound card for audio playback.
Although creating this set is not easy and many other Internet radio options are available, this is still a great project. It gives you insight into the power of custom firmware, as well as understanding how music is broadcast on the Internet.
4. Use the router as a cheap network switch
Most routers have less than 6 Ethernet ports. With the rapid rise of wireless technologies in the home, this number can even drop to 4. But with the clear need for devices connected via Ethernet, you may not have enough ports to use.
For example, devices that monitor smart home appliances, TV decoders with smart TV functions, game consoles and many other devices cannot use the wireless network. They need to be physically connected to the network and that means they need an Ethernet port.
If you have used up all Ethernet ports, you can add it using a network switch. Basically, this is the version of Ethernet that contains additional ports on a main power bar, then the main source is plugged into a port on the router.
Older routers usually have 4 or more ports, so this connection will immediately increase the number of available ports. Remember to power on the old router. You should also disable the wireless network on the old router to avoid conflicts.
5. Turn your router into a wireless bridge
What if your new router only allows wireless connections? Perhaps ISP does not provide a router with Ethernet ports or you may use 4G Internet service provider. Either way, if you need to connect Ethernet devices to your home network, a wireless bridge can be a 'lifesaver' in this case.
An old router can be reused as a wireless bridge. And this will save you some money.
This works like a wireless repeater, but instead of sharing a Wi-Fi connection, the wireless bridge provides Ethernet. The old router is connected to an existing Wi-Fi network and its Ethernet ports are used to connect devices.
6. Build a Smart Home Hub
Some routers ship with some useful additional ports. In some cases, this may be a USB port, making it easier to flash the OpenWRT or DD-WRT router firmware.
Other devices may come with a serial port and these routers can be reused as a home automation server.
Basically, the router runs a web server that users connect to their browser. This can be done on a PC or for more convenience, via smartphones.
Although easier options are available, you can use this option to better understand home automation.
7. Convert the router into an NAS drive
Are you looking for a way to store data on a single storage device and access it from anywhere in the house? In that case, you will need Network Attached Storage (NAS), which is basically the hard drive attached to your network.
Saving money for buying a new device using an old router somewhere in the house is also a must. Although NAS devices are not expensive. But note that this only applies to older routers that can run custom firmware (like DD-WRT) and redundant USB ports. Then, the old, used router will allow you to browse the content of any connected USB storage device.
Without a USB port, there is no way to mount a hard drive or USB flash storage device.
Once set up, the NAS has been customized on demand, providing users instant access to important data from anywhere in the house, through the use of any device.
Don't let the old router stay in the drawer anymore! Today's article has identified seven ways you can reuse your old router:
These are great ways to reuse a router. Even if it's too old and doesn't have some of the important features of modern wireless devices, you can still use it as a switch or even a guest network.
However, if none of the above options are useful in your case, it is probably time to consider selling or recycling the device.
Good luck!
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