How to Turn an Old Router into a Wi-Fi Repeater - extend your WiFi network

How to Turn an Old Router into a Wi-Fi Repeater

Do you have an old router collecting dust in a drawer? Instead of throwing it away, you can turn it into a Wi-Fi repeater and extend your wireless network coverage for free! This simple guide will walk you through every step to repurpose your old router and boost your home Wi-Fi signal.

🔧 What You’ll Need

• Old Wi-Fi router (any brand — TP-Link, D-Link, ASUS, etc.)
• Main router with an active internet connection
• Ethernet cable
• Computer or laptop for configuration

⚙️ Step 1: Reset the Old Router

To start clean, hold the reset button on your old router for about 10–15 seconds. Wait for it to reboot — this will restore the factory settings and remove any previous configurations.

Use a pin or paperclip to press and hold the reset button.

🖥️ Step 2: Connect to the Old Router

Connect your PC or laptop to the old router using an Ethernet cable (LAN port). Open your browser and type one of these default addresses:

• 192.168.0.1
• 192.168.1.1

Login with the default credentials (usually admin / admin).

🌐 Step 3: Change the IP Address

To avoid conflicts with your main router, set a new local IP address. For example, if your main router is 192.168.1.1, change your old router’s IP to 192.168.1.2. Save and reboot.

Assign a unique IP to your old router within the same subnet.

📶 Step 4: Disable DHCP

Go to DHCP Settings and disable the DHCP server. This allows your main router to assign IP addresses for all devices on the network.

🔗 Step 5: Connect Both Routers

There are two ways to connect the routers:

Option 1: LAN-to-LAN (Recommended)

Connect an Ethernet cable from one of the LAN ports on your main router to a LAN port on the old router.

Option 2: Wireless Repeater Mode

If your old router supports “Repeater Mode” or “WDS Bridging,” enable it and connect it wirelessly to your main router’s SSID.

Use WDS or Repeater Mode if no Ethernet cable is available.

📡 Step 6: Match the Wi-Fi Settings

Set the same SSID and password as your main router if you want seamless roaming between the two signals. Alternatively, choose a different SSID (e.g., “Home_Extender”) to identify the repeater.

✅ Step 7: Test Your Network

Disconnect your Ethernet cable and walk around your home with your smartphone or laptop. You should notice stronger Wi-Fi coverage, especially in previous dead zones.

Check your Wi-Fi signal — you should see improved coverage in all rooms.

💡 Bonus Tip: Use DD-WRT or OpenWRT Firmware

If your old router supports it, you can install custom firmware like DD-WRT or OpenWRT for advanced repeater options and better performance.

🏁 Conclusion

Turning an old router into a Wi-Fi repeater is a cost-free and eco-friendly way to improve your home network coverage. With just a few settings, you can turn obsolete hardware into a powerful network extender.

Written by Computeria ITS — Smart IT solutions for your home and office.