Many people throw away old routers, but they can still be useful. There are smart new ways to use them, so don’t throw them away. You can make the Wi-Fi area bigger or better or store things on it. You can still do important things with a new computer, whether using it for personal or business reasons or to learn.
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Table of contents
Build A Wireless Repeater
This device helps Wi-Fi work in more rooms of a house. Recalibration is something that many routers already have built-in. It is possible to connect an old router to the main Wi-Fi network. This setting boosts the signal in places where it’s weak. Wi-Fi that repeats is useful for large homes or outside areas.
Some routers slow down signals when they are used as repeaters. The old router needs to be put somewhere to join the new network. This doesn’t make the internet faster; it expands the network’s reach. The router’s instructions include clear steps on how to set it up. The software on some routers needs to be changed so that they can use resend mode.
This usually means turning off DHCP and changing the router’s IP address. You can also use third-party tools to make more changes. A booster helps eliminate “dead zones” or places where the internet isn’t strong. This is a simple and low-cost way to improve your home Wi-Fi.
Create A Guest Wi-fi Network
With a friend Wi-Fi network, your guests’ devices won’t be able to connect to your main ones. You can use an old router to make one. This way, people are kept away from personal files, which makes things safer. Some routers come with a guest network option. You need to connect the old router to your main network.
Private information can be used on the Internet without other people being able to see it. If you don’t set up a router, a guest network doesn’t need one. You can also change the speed of links so they don’t go too slowly. An old router is simple to set up for a guest network. You need to stop using shared devices and change the SSID.
Some routers let you set times when Wi-Fi will not work. A guest network prevents people who aren’t supposed to be there from accessing smart home devices. After setting this up, you’ll have more control over who gets your internet.
Stream Internet Radio
If you have the right software, you can use an old computer to watch internet radio. Running certain software on some routers lets you add extra features. A USB sound card is needed to play songs. Streaming links make it possible for many online radio shows to work. If you set up your computer correctly, it can stream music to speakers. This setup works well for home theater systems.
You need to find a router that works with it to get new software. There is a lot of changed software that lets you see better. With this setting, you can enjoy music without a computer or phone. Receiving internet radios through a router takes less power than a laptop. This option works well at home, coffee shops, and small companies.
Turn Your Old Router Into A Wireless Bridge
A wireless bridge lets devices that are already linked connect to a Wi-Fi network. Many ISPs give out switches that don’t have Ethernet ports, so things that aren’t Wi-Fi can connect through a wireless bridge. This setup works well for old computers or printers. You need to set the router to bridge mode; for some routers, you need software from a different source to make this work.
If you have a wireless bridge, you can add more things to the internet without running more lines. The home network is more open now that it’s set up this way. Dead zones are gone when there is a bridge in the right place. Some routers have dual-band links that make them work better. A wireless bridge makes it safe for important devices to connect to the internet through lines.
Convert Your Router Into A Nas Drive
You can store things on a NAS drive and share them over a network. Some routers have USB ports that let external drives join. Custom software can have tools for sharing files added to it. A NAS drive enables you to keep all your files in one place. With this setup, you can watch movies or make copies of your files.
The computer needs to be set up to see things on another computer. Some routers already have FTP or SMB set up when you buy them. A NAS drive lets more than one device see the same files more than once. This choice helps you keep information in order at home or in a small office. A NAS drive lets you store things in the cloud for less money.
Use An Old Router As A Web Server
Small websites only shown in your area are saved on a web server. Some routers let you run simple server software. One old computer can be used to look at the web. With a home web server, you can share private files. Some routers let you use PHP and MySQL to make pages that can be changed.
Having your web server can help you learn how to make websites. You need to change the software to use this feature. You can store things in a small room built into some routers. A web server on a router can run your site cheaply. This setup is great for both personal projects and work tests.
Conclusion
There are many things you can do with an old router. You save money and lessen waste when you use a router more than once. An old router can be used in a new way to improve your home WiFi. It helps other people when you give or sell a router. You can learn more about technology by getting used to new router features. If you set up your computer properly, you can use the internet better. Old routers should be recycled.
