How to Build a Low Cost WiFi Repeater to Boost Your Home Network Signal using Common Household Items

Having a strong WiFi signal throughout your home is crucial for staying connected and being productive. However, WiFi dead zones can occur in parts of your house that are far from your router. Luckily, you can build your own WiFi repeater using common household items to boost your network signal to reach those dead zones.

What You'll Need

Building your own WiFi repeater only requires a few basic components that you may already have:

• Old wireless router: The most important part is a second wireless router that you aren't using anymore. This will act as the repeater.

• Ethernet cable: You'll need an ethernet cable to connect the two routers together. The longer the better, as this allows you to place the repeater farther from the main router.

• Power source: Your repeater router will need power, so you'll need an available outlet nearby or an extension cord.

• Optional items:

  • Plastic food container or cardboard box to mount the router if needed

  • Zip ties or velcro strips to secure the router

  • Dremel or drill to cut holes for cables (only if mounting the router in an enclosure)

That's it! Just a spare router, an ethernet cable, and a power source are all you need to build your own repeater.

Step 1: Configure the Repeater Router

The first step is to configure your spare wireless router to act as a repeater instead of a main router. Here's how:

1. First, reset your spare router to factory default settings. This clears out any prior WiFi settings. Consult your router manual for how to do this.

2. Next, connect the repeater router to your main router with the ethernet cable. This wired backhaul connection is what allows the two routers to communicate.

3. Now power on the repeater and connect to it by WiFi or ethernet. Access the router admin interface, usually by navigating to 192.168.1.1 in your browser.

4. In the admin interface, change the repeater's WiFi settings to match your main router network. Set the SSID, security type, password, and channel to be the same.

5. Finally, disable DHCP server functionality on the repeater, since you only want one router assigning IP addresses on your network.

The spare router is now ready to act as a WiFi repeater!

Step 2: Position the Repeater

The next step is finding an optimal location to install your new DIY repeater:

• Place it in a central location between your main router and the WiFi dead zone. The closer the better.

• Avoid obstacles like thick walls or large appliances that can degrade WiFi signals.

• Elevation helps - placing it higher up on a shelf or wall mounted improves the signal.

• Make sure the ethernet cable can reach the main router.

Optional: For a cleaner installation, you can mount your router in a plastic container or cardboard box using zip ties or velcro:

• Use a Dremel or drill to cut a hole for the ethernet cable and power cord.

• Make additional holes for ventilation if enclosing the router fully.

• Mount it up high on a wall or ceiling for better coverage.

Step 3: Connect Devices to the New Extended Network

Once your repeater router is configured and positioned in the optimal location, connect your devices!

• Your repeater WiFi network will have the same SSID and password as your main router.

• Clients should automatically switch between your main router and the repeater as you move around the house.

• No configuration is needed on client devices for them to utilize the extended network!

With your new budget WiFi repeater setup, you should now have a strong wireless signal in those hard to reach dead zones. Enjoy boosted connectivity across your entire home!

Troubleshooting Tips

Here are some troubleshooting tips if your DIY repeater isn't working properly:

• Double check the repeater WiFi settings match your main router exactly.

• Try adjusting placement of the repeater closer to the main router.

• Switch the ethernet cables in case of a defective cable.

• Factory reset the repeater and reconfigure from scratch.

• Update router and repeater firmware to the latest version.

• Scan for interference from neighboring WiFi networks and switch channels.

With a little tweaking, your homebrew WiFi repeater should be operational in no time! Extend that wireless coverage on a budget.