How to Build a WiFi Extender from Old Routers and Boost Your Signal

Introduction

Having a strong WiFi signal throughout your home is crucial for staying connected and being productive. However, dead zones and weak signals in parts of your house can disrupt your internet experience. Purchasing an expensive WiFi extender from your internet provider or a retail store is one option, but you can also build your own WiFi extender using an extra router you may have around the house. Constructing a DIY WiFi extender from an old router is an affordable and effective way to boost your wireless coverage.

In this guide, I will walk you through the complete process of building your own WiFi range extender using an old router. We will cover compatible router models, required materials, setup instructions, placement tips, and troubleshooting advice. With a few simple steps, you can build a powerful extender that amplifies your wireless network reach.

Compatible Router Models

The first step is ensuring you have a compatible router on hand to convert into a range extender. Ideally, you want to use a router that supports wireless bridging and has external antenna ports. Here are some router models that work well:

• Linksys WRT54G/WRT54GL - These classic Linksys routers are extremely popular and make excellent extenders. Models with exposed antennas work best.

• Netgear N600/N750 - Many Netgear router models have a range extender mode built-in. The N600 or N750 are great choices.

• TP-Link TL-WR1043ND - TP-Link routers are widely available and affordable. The TL-WR1043ND has exceptional range when used as an extender.

• Asus RT-N12 - For a budget-friendly option, the Asus RT-N12 can be configured as a wireless repeater.

I recommend avoiding any router that is over 5 years old, as it may not have the necessary WiFi technology to work well as an extender. Dual-band AC routers are best if you have a mix of wireless-N and AC devices.

Required Materials

In addition to a compatible router, you will need a few other items:

• Ethernet cable - Use a Cat 5e or Cat 6 ethernet cable to connect your main router and the extender router.

• DD-WRT firmware (DD-WRT download) - DD-WRT is free, open source router software that enables bridging and repeater modes. You will need to install it on your extender router.

• Computer - You need a laptop or desktop to configure your repeater router's settings.

• Phillips-head screwdriver - Used to open your router case (if needed) to attach external antennas.

That covers the key gear required. With these materials in hand, you are ready to start constructing your DIY WiFi repeater.

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Follow these steps to successfully build your WiFi signal booster:

Step 1 - Install DD-WRT Firmware

The first step is installing DD-WRT on your spare router that will become the range extending repeater. DD-WRT replaces the router's default software with open source firmware that enables repeater bridge mode.

1. Download the correct DD-WRT firmware for your router make & model.
2. Access your router admin interface and backup any settings.
3. Follow the DD-WRT installation instructions to flash the firmware to your router.
4. Reboot the router and login to the web interface. DD-WRT is now installed!

Step 2 - Configure Repeater Bridge Mode

Within the DD-WRT web interface, you need to configure the following repeater bridge mode settings:

• Under the Wireless tab, set the router to act as a wireless client (repeater bridge).
• Enter your main router's SSID and wireless password. This allows the repeater to connect to your existing WiFi network.
• On the Setup tab, you may need to disable DHCP and NAT services.

This will make your router act strictly as a wireless bridge or repeater instead of a full router.

Step 3 - Connect Routers Via Ethernet

Run an Ethernet cable from one of the LAN ports on your main router to one of the LAN ports on the repeater router. This hardwires the connection between your main network and repeater.

Some tips:

• Ensure the LAN/Ethernet ports are used, not the WAN/Internet ports.
• Cat 5e or Cat 6 cables up to 100 feet long will work.
• Connect wired first before powering on the repeater.

Step 4 - Power on & Verify Connection

With everything connected, power on your DIY repeater router. Using a computer connected to the network, verify:

• The repeater router is connected to the main router's WiFi network.
• The repeater can access the internet via the wired Ethernet backhaul link.

Once working, position the router in the desired location to maximize your extended WiFi range.

Placement Tips

Proper placement is key to getting the most range extension from your DIY repeater router:

• Central area - Centrally locate the router between your main router and weak signal areas.

• Halfway point - Position it about halfway down corridors or passages to relay the signal.

• High locations - Placing the extender router above the ground on a shelf or wall mount improves the transmission radius.

• Avoid interference - Keep the extender away from Bluetooth devices, cordless phones, baby monitors, and microwave ovens.

• Line of sight - Optimize the line of sight between the main router and repeater. Avoid obstructions if possible.

Taking the time to find the ideal location will maximize your WiFi range expansion. Tweak the placement as needed.

Troubleshooting

If your DIY WiFi repeater isn't functioning properly, here are a few troubleshooting tips:

• Check router connections - Ensure the ethernet backhaul cable is securely plugged in at both ends. Verify the repeater successfully connected to your main router's wireless network.

• Check router settings - Confirm the repeater settings like SSID, security mode, and password precisely match your primary router network settings.

• Change broadcast channel - Try tweaking the repeater and main router to different channels to avoid interference.

• Update firmware - Sometimes a firmware update is required to enable repeater mode. Always use the latest DD-WRT firmware.

• Factory reset - If needed, reset the repeater router to factory defaults and reconfigure from scratch.

• Replace equipment - As a last resort, one of your router units may be faulty. Substitute in a backup router if issues persist.

With a few simple troubleshooting steps, you should be able to get your DIY repeater up and running.

Boost Your WiFi with a DIY Repeater

Constructing your own WiFi extender from an old router is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your wireless network coverage. With compatible hardware, the proper setup procedure, strategic placement, and some helpful troubleshooting, you can successfully build an effective repeater that removes frustrating dead zones. Enjoy boosted WiFi speed and reliability throughout your home with this useful DIY networking project.