Having spotty WiFi coverage around your home can be frustrating. Areas like the basement, backyard, or upstairs bedrooms often struggle to get a strong wireless signal.
But fear not! With a simple DIY WiFi extender made from a spare router, you can boost your network coverage and eliminate dead zones. A WiFi extender works by picking up the existing signal from your wireless router and rebroadcasting it to areas with poor reception.
Things You'll Need
Before getting started, make sure you have the following equipment:
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Spare router - This will act as the extender. Almost any router will work, including older models you have lying around.
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Ethernet cable - To connect the extender router to your existing network.
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Screwdriver - For opening up the router case to make adjustments.
Setting Up the Extender Router
The basic setup steps are as follows:
Step 1. Configure Extender as Wireless Bridge
First, you'll need to configure your spare router to act as a wireless bridge instead of a regular router. This bridge mode allows it to connect wirelessly to your existing WiFi network and rebroadcast the signal.
To do this:
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Connect the extender router directly to your computer via ethernet cable. Do not plug it into the wall or existing router yet.
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Access the extender router web interface by navigating to its IP address in your browser. The default is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Consult your router documentation for the exact address.
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Look for the WDS bridging, bridge mode, or wireless client mode setting. Enable this.
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Save your settings. The router is now ready to act as a wireless network extender.
Step 2. Position Extender and Connect
Next, you need to place your extender router in a location between your main router and the WiFi dead zone. The key is to pick a position where the extender can receive a good wireless signal from your existing network while also being able to rebroadcast the extended signal to the dead zone.
Some tips on placement:
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Place the extender halfway between your main router and the dead zone if possible.
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Make sure the location gets a strong wireless signal from the main router. Use a mobile app to check the signal strength if needed.
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Elevated spots like high shelves often get better reception.
Once positioned, connect your extender router to your main network:
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First, connect the ethernet cable between the extender router and main router LAN ports. This connects them together.
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Next, plug in the extender router power cable to turn it on.
The extender will now connect wirelessly to your main WiFi network and begin extending its reach.
Connecting Devices to Extender Network
Once setup, you will essentially have two wireless networks in your home - the existing one from your main router, and a new extended network from your extender.
To connect devices like phones, laptops, etc. to the extended network:
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Look for the new wireless network name that matches your extender router. This is often the router model number.
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Enter the extender's password when prompted to connect. If you did not change it during setup, check the router documentation for the default password.
Any device connected to the extender network will now get the extended signal, helping eliminate any dead zones!
Optimizing Extender Placement
Getting the right location is key to maximizing your extended wireless coverage. If coverage is still spotty after initial setup, try tweaking the extender placement:
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Get closer to main router - Place the extender closer to the main wireless source to get a stronger signal.
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Elevate the extender - Move to a higher shelf, mounting it on the wall, or even place it on top of books on a table.
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Avoid interference - Make sure the signal isn't blocked by thick walls, metal, or other major obstacles.
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Find the sweet spot - Try various positions in the room to determine the point where the extender receives the optimal main router signal while also having line-of-sight to extend coverage to the dead zone.
Take your time experimenting with different extender positions. Finding the ideal spot can really optimize your extended WiFi coverage.
Using Old Routers as Extenders
One bonus to this project is being able to reuse an old router gathering dust in a closet somewhere. Nearly any spare wireless router will work as an extender, which helps save money.
When using an old router, be sure to:
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Reset it to factory settings first - This wipes out any old config that could cause issues.
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Check for firmware updates - Update to latest firmware to ensure best performance as an extender.
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Configure for wireless bridge mode - Follow the steps above to set it up properly.
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If it lacks bridge mode - Some very old routers lack this setting. You can often still make it work via custom config tweaks; Google search your router model for how-tos.
So don't throw out those old wireless routers! With a simple reset and config, they can provide an economical, hassle-free WiFi range extender.
Troubleshooting Tips
Here are some quick troubleshooting tips if your DIY extender isn't working right:
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Double check router config - Make sure wireless bridge/repeater mode is definitely enabled.
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Verify main router wireless settings - SSID and password must match extender setup.
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Plug extender into wall outlet - Don't just power via USB or it may disconnect frequently.
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Update firmware - An outdated router firmware version could cause issues.
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Factory reset the extender - Wipe it and start over if needed.
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Experiment with placements - Small placement tweaks can make a big difference.
With a little trial-and-error, you should be able to get your extender working reliably and enjoy WiFi throughout your entire home.
Summary
Boosting your home's WiFi coverage is easy with a simple DIY wireless range extender. Just about any spare router can be configured in bridge mode to pick up the existing signal and rebroadcast it farther. Strategic placement is key, but is easy to optimize through experimentation. With an hour or two of effort, you can say goodbye to dead zones and enjoy strong WiFi in every corner of your house!