How to Build a Low-Cost WiFi Extender From Used Computer Parts

Introduction

With more devices connecting to home WiFi networks than ever before, weak WiFi signals in parts of your house can be frustrating. Purchasing an expensive WiFi range extender from your internet provider or electronics store is one solution, but you can actually build your own functional WiFi extender from used computer parts for a fraction of the cost.

In this guide, I'll walk you through the full process of building a DIY WiFi extender using old networking equipment you may already have or can buy cheaply secondhand. With just a little bit of technical know-how, you can boost your home's WiFi coverage for under $20.

What You'll Need

To build your own WiFi extender, you'll need the following used computer parts and supplies:

• Old router or wireless access point: The heart of your DIY WiFi extender will be an old router or wireless access point. Any router with external antennas should work.

• Ethernet cables: You'll need some Ethernet cables to connect your devices together. Cat 5e or Cat 6 cables are best.

• Power adapter: An adapter to power your old router or access point. Make sure the voltage matches the device's requirements.

• Tools (optional): A screwdriver may be helpful for opening up devices and accessing ports. Pliers can assist in crimping Ethernet cables.

Many old routers, access points, cables, and power adapters can be found for very cheap or even free by asking friends, checking thrift stores, or browsing classifieds sites.

How to Assemble the Extender

Building your WiFi extender involves three main steps:

1. Configure the Old Router as a Wireless Repeater

The first step is to configure your secondary router or wireless access point to act as a wireless repeater. This allows it to pick up and re-broadcast an existing WiFi signal. Here's how:

• Connect your computer directly to the extender with an Ethernet cable.

• Access the extender's admin interface by navigating to 192.168.1.1 in your web browser.

• Find the repeater, relay, or bridge mode settings. Enable this.

• Input the SSID and password of the primary router you want to repeat.

• Save the settings. Your extender will now re-broadcast the main router's wireless network.

2. Find an Optimal Location

It's important to place your DIY extender in a location where it can pick up a strong signal from your primary router, but also sufficiently fill any WiFi dead zones. Some tips:

• Avoid obstacles like thick walls or large appliances that block signals.

• Elevation helps - place it high up for better coverage.

• Test the signal strength by moving the extender to different locations while checking the WiFi bars on your phone.

3. Connect the Extender to Your Main Router (Optional)

For the most reliable extended network, it's best to connect your WiFi extender directly to your main router via Ethernet:

• Run an Ethernet cable from your primary router's LAN port to your extender.

• This backhaul connection provides the most robust relay between routers.

• Alternatively, you can skip this step and just rely on the wireless connection.

Optimizing Your Extended Network

Here are some additional tips for getting the best performance from your used computer part WiFi extender:

• Update firmware - Check for firmware updates from the manufacturer. Newer versions often have better WiFi capabilities.

• Change WiFi channels - If you're experiencing interference or slow speeds, try changing your main router and extender to different channels to improve coverage.

• Enable WPA2 encryption - Make sure your extended network uses modern WPA2 WiFi security protocols for privacy. Legacy security systems like WEP are risky.

• Assign a unique SSID - Giving your extended network its own SSID makes connecting devices seamless throughout your home.

Conclusion

Building your own WiFi range extender doesn't have to be difficult or expensive. With a little DIY spirit, you can leverage used routers, access points, and other old computer networking parts to improve your home's WiFi coverage. Strategically placing your budget WiFi repeater allows you to fill dead zones and get faster speeds in hard-to-reach areas.