How to Turn an Old Router into a WiFi Repeater?

Most of us own a spare old WiFi router that is not in use but the good news is that an old router can be converted into an extender to increase the range of wireless signals throughout your home. If you are experiencing weak WiFi signals or dead zones in your home, it is best to use an old WiFi router as a repeater, as it costs nothing and can increase the range of WiFi signals through your home.

There are two ways in which you can use your old router as a WiFi repeater, one with an Ethernet cable and the other without an Ethernet cable. Let us discuss both of these in detail.

How to Turn Your Old Router into a Wifi Repeater Using an Ethernet Cable

By using an ethernet cable, you can quickly convert your old wireless router into a range extender. It is the easiest and quickest way by which you can do so. The general router settings and features vary from router model to model and manufacturer to manufacturer but the general process is the same, as mentioned.

1. Power on your old wireless router and connect your device to the wireless router.
2. Visit 192.168.0.1, log into your router, and update the firmware on your old WiFi router to improve its functionality and security.
3. After the firmware is updated, connect one end of the ethernet cable to an ethernet port on your primary internet router.
4. Connect the other end of the ethernet cable to the WAN port on your old WiFi router that you want to use as a WiFi extender or repeater.
5. Once your primary and secondary routers are connected to each other via an Ethernet cable, log into your secondary router’s admin panel and locate the Wireless Settings section.
6. In the Wireless Settings, select AP Mode. By doing so, you will turn your router into an access point for your internet connection and it will extend the range of the WiFi network beyond the range of the primary router.

How to Turn Your Old Router into a Wifi Repeater Without an Ethernet Cable

If you don’t have a spare ethernet cable, you can set up your old router as a repeater and extend the range of your WiFi network. Here is how you can do it.

1. Ensure that your primary WiFi router is turned on, working, and transmitting WiFi signals.
2. Power on your old router, visit the router admin interface through 192.168.1.1, and update the firmware.
3. Now, in the admin interface of your router, visit the Wireless Settings section.
4. In the Wireless Settings section, select Repeating Mode/ Repeater Mode/ Wireless Bridge Mode, or Extender Mode. The exact phrase for this feature may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer but the functionality of all these terms is the same.
5. After choosing the Repeater Mode, select your primary WiFi network from the list and connect to it by entering the WiFi network password. 
6. Once that is done, save the changes and enjoy the extended WiFi coverage around your home.