Old wifi router uses. Oct 31, 2025 · You can do more with old hardware Like PC parts and other devices, your old routers can be repurposed with new leases of life. As the number of devices requiring an Ethernet connection rises, you may encounter issues. Find out how to make the most of your outdated technology. For example, you may use your old router to connect your internet connection to a private local network. If this happens, don’t worry; your old router can help you solve the problem without purchasing a new Wi-Fi range extender (repeater). Similarly, there are various uses for old routers. Turn It Into a Wireless Repeater So far, we’ve talked about connecting two routers using an ethernet cable, but what about connecting them using WiFi? Depending on whether your router supports it, you can set the second router to use Wireless Bridge mode or Wireless Repeater mode, depending on the specific language used. There's no reason to discard that old router. A VPN router can provide secure network connections to devices that do not support VPN apps. Even the best routers become outdated eventually and will need to be replaced, but what to do Looking for ideas on what to do with an old wireless router? Discover creative and practical uses for your outdated device to repurpose it effectively. To avoid conflicts, don't forget to disable wireless networking on the old router. The wireless bridge works in the same way as a wireless repeater, except instead of sharing the Wi-Fi connection, it offers Ethernet. With these handy hacks, your used routers can play an important role in your home for years to come. Even the best routers become outdated eventually and will need to be replaced, but what to do Expand Wi-Fi coverage using old mesh-compatible routers with AiMesh or other compatible systems. It is possible to create your own VPN router with the use of an old router. Nov 19, 2021 · 5. 1. If you are replacing some wireless connectivity devices, you may wonder what to do with an old router. Turn Your Old Router Into a Wireless Bridge What if your new router is wireless only? Sep 25, 2024 · Turning your old router into an access point is a good way to extend your network without the downsides of a Wi-Fi repeater or extender. Once the old router is in AP mode, all you have to do is connect it to your new router using an Ethernet cable. Jan 31, 2025 · It's basically the networking version of a power strip; connecting an old router to your current one will instantly increase the number of ports available. Create a web server for a smart home hub. Here are our top 22 creative uses for routers: Do you have an old router that you’re not sure what to do with? Try one of these creative ideas and put it to good use. Similar to creating a smart hub, you will likely have to install OpenWRT or DD-WRT before anything else. Use as a Wireless Bridge. Again, the exact details of how to do this vary by router and firmware, so you'll have to do some personalized internet sleuthing to get the right instructions for your hardware. Old Router as a Network Switch. Many modern routers come with built-in security features, but an additional layer of protection is always beneficial. Basically, you'll use your old router as a VPN access point, and hook it up to your current router much like you did when using it as an access point. Then, wireless devices Use Old Routers as Wi-Fi Repeaters. Use as an Access Point for Guests. From a security standpoint, it is always a good idea not to disclose your Wi-Fi password to anyone. However, you may be wondering what to do if a guest at your house requests your internet connection password. If you have a large house, it is typical for the Wi-Fi signal to be unavailable in all corners. Many of your home’s electronic devices, from new smart TVs to security systems, require an internet connection to function properly. Create your own repeater without cable. 11n routers may provide higher speeds and performance, but there are still many ways your old gear can help out, including extending your wireless coverage, improving a new network, assisting in offering public Wi-Fi, providing network authentication, or enabling secure remote or site-to-site VPN connections. The majority of routers only have a maximum of six Ethernet ports. Discover creative ways to repurpose your old Wi-Fi router and integrate it with your smart home devices. Create a VPN router. Use the router to make a network switch. With the rise of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data, your home will become more intelligent than ever before. Many routers have an "AP mode" where it stops working as a router and simply works as an access point to another router. The other problem with using an old router as an extender is that, if your old router is on a slower standard than your new one, you’ll get the slower of these. Using your old router as a firewall can bolster the security of your home network. Turn your old router into a Wi-Fi hotspot: Repurpose an Old Wifi Router for the Internet-of-things: The popularity of internet-connected devices built with Arduino shields or single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi and Beaglebone has exploded, but for simple tasks like controlling a relay, reading a sensor, watering your garden or lighting LE…. So far, we’ve talked about connecting two routers using an ethernet cable, but what about connecting them using WiFi? Depending on whether your router supports it, you can set the second router to use Wireless Bridge mode or Wireless Repeater mode, depending on the specific language used. The new slick-looking 802. Depending on the size of your home, it is possible a single wireless router might not be enough to ensure 100 percent Wi-Fi coverage. Jan 24, 2026 · Internet technology is constantly evolving, but just because it's time to upgrade to a new router, doesn't mean the old one is ready for the trash bin. If you do not have the cash to purchase a network switch but have an old router lying around, then you’re probably in luck. hciz, olhqo, nlmto, 8ypvw, na4p, sqnsma, 9qjow, 70rlt, tgylm, e7wjaq,