How to Build a DIY WiFi Extender from Old Routers

Introduction

A WiFi extender can help boost your wireless network's range and strength. Building your own WiFi extender from an old router is a cost-effective way to improve your home's WiFi coverage. In this guide, I will walk you through the steps to create a simple DIY WiFi extender using an old router you may have laying around.

What You Need

To build your own WiFi extender, you will need:

• An old router that you are not currently using. It should be a router that supports wireless networking.

• Ethernet cable to connect the two routers.

• A computer or laptop connected to your existing wireless network. You will need this to configure the extender router.

How It Works

A WiFi extender works by picking up the existing WiFi signal from your main router, amplifying it, and then rebroadcasting the boosted signal. This effectively increases the range and coverage of your home's wireless network.

The extender does not have to be connected directly to the main router. As long as it can pick up a wireless signal from the main router, it can boost and rebroadcast it.

Steps to Build the Extender

Follow these steps to build a WiFi extender from an old router:

Step 1: Update Router Firmware

Before setting up the extender, it's a good idea to update the router's firmware to the latest version. Outdated firmware can cause problems.

To update the firmware:

1. Connect your computer directly to the old router via Ethernet cable.

2. Log in to the router's administration page. The default URL is usually 192.168.1.1.

3. Navigate to the firmware update section.

4. Check the router manufacturer's website for the latest firmware. Download and install it.

Step 2: Place Router and Connect

Place the old router in a location between your main router and the WiFi dead zone you want to extend coverage to.

The ideal position is halfway between the two areas. The extender needs to pick up a strong wireless signal from the main router in order to boost and rebroadcast it.

Use an Ethernet cable to connect your main router to the WAN/Internet port on the old router. This cable will provide the backhaul connection between the two routers.

Step 3: Configure Extender Router Settings

With the router powered on and connected via Ethernet cable, access the router admin page again. This time, we will change some settings to configure it as a wireless extender:

• Disable DHCP on the extender router - This prevents it from assigning IP addresses to devices, which should be handled by the main router's DHCP server.

• Set a different SSID - Give the extender router's wireless network a different name from your main router's wireless network. This allows you to differentiate between the two.

• Set security mode and password - Match the WiFi security settings of your main router (like WPA2).

• Enable wireless bridging/repeating - Look for a setting to enable wireless repeating, bridging, or extending mode. This may be labeled differently by each router brand.

• Save settings - Save the configuration changes. Your router is now ready to function as a WiFi range extender!

Step 4: Connect Devices to Extended Network

You can now connect wireless devices to the new SSID broadcast by the repeater router. They will be able to access the internet via the extended wireless coverage.

Move a device closer to the extender and connect to its wireless network to test the extended range. You may need to manually disconnect from the main router's WiFi network first if the device does not automatically jump to the stronger signal.

Tips for Optimal Performance

Here are some tips to get the best performance out of your DIY WiFi extender:

• Position the extender in a central location between router and weak coverage area for optimal range boosting.

• Elevate the extender router and clear obstructions between it and the main router. This improves signal communication between them.

• If possible, use 5 GHz band for the backhaul connection between the two routers. This can reduce interference and congestion.

• Set the extender router's wireless channel to be different than your main router's channel to minimize interference.

• Some old routers may lack wireless capabilities needed for good extender performance. Use a newer dual or tri-band router if possible.

Conclusion

Building your own WiFi extender is a great DIY project that can expand your wireless coverage at little cost. Just about any old WiFi router can be repurposed to act as a repeater bridge. Follow the setup steps to position and configure the router. Optimizing placement and settings will deliver the best boost in your WiFi network's range and strength. Enjoy the benefits of whole-home wireless coverage! Let me know if you have any other questions.