How to Make a DIY WiFi Extender from an Old Router

Having a strong WiFi signal throughout your home is extremely important these days. A weak WiFi signal can make it difficult to work, stream movies, or play online games. One easy way to boost your WiFi coverage is to make your own DIY WiFi extender using an old router you may have laying around. In this article, I will walk you through the complete process step-by-step.

What You Will Need

To make your own DIY WiFi extender, you will need the following:

• Old router - This will function as the extender. Almost any old router will work, as long as it has external antennas.

• Ethernet cable - You will need an ethernet cable to connect the old router to your primary router. The cable should be long enough to reach between the two locations.

• Computer or laptop - You'll need a computer to log into the old router's admin panel and configure it as a repeater.

Step 1 - Place the Old Router

The first step is to determine where to place the old router to get optimal WiFi coverage. Some good options include:

• Centrally in a dead zone between your main router location and the area you want to extend coverage to.

• On the same floor as your main router if you need coverage upstairs or downstairs.

• Near devices like smart TVs or gaming consoles that need stronger WiFi.

Ideally, place the old router about halfway between your main router and the WiFi dead zone. This will allow it to pick up a strong signal from your primary router and broadcast WiFi into the weak coverage area.

Step 2 - Connect the Old Router

Next, you need to connect your old router to your primary router using an ethernet cable.

Here is how to do it:

• First, unplug your old router from power. We will be changing settings, so it needs to start from a fresh state.

• Next, run the ethernet cable from your primary router's LAN port to one of the LAN ports on the old router. Make sure the cable is securely plugged into both devices. This will provide the backhaul internet connection.

• Finally, plug the power back into your old router and give it about a minute to boot up. It should now be connected to your main router and ready to be configured as a WiFi extender.

Step 3 - Configure the Router as an Extender

The final step is to access the old router's admin panel and change its settings to make it function as a WiFi extender instead of a regular router.

Here is how to do it:

• On your computer, connect to the old router's default WiFi network. The default network name (SSID) and password are usually printed on a sticker or the bottom of the router.

• Open a web browser and go to the router's IP address. The default router IP is typically 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Enter that address into your browser's URL bar.

• A login page should appear. Enter the router's default username and password which can also be found on a sticker on the router.

• In the admin panel, find the Wireless or Network settings. Look for an option to switch the router to "Wireless Repeater", "Extender" or "Access Point" mode. Enable that setting.

• Specify your main router's WiFi network name and password when prompted. This will allow the old router to connect to your existing network.

• Some routers also have a "Wireless channel" or "frequency" setting. Make sure this is set to auto or to the same channel your primary router uses.

• Finally, save changes and reboot the router if necessary.

After following these steps, your old router should now be configured as a WiFi range extender on your network! Connect devices to the extended network just like your main one.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your DIY WiFi extender isn't working properly, here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Double check the ethernet cable is plugged in securely on both ends.

• Try resetting the old router to factory defaults and going through the setup again.

• Make sure DHCP is enabled on the old router so devices get proper IP addresses.

• Check that the old router's security settings match your main network (like WPA2).

• Be sure the old router's WiFi channel does not conflict with neighboring networks.

With a bit of tweaking, your DIY WiFi extender made from an old router can significantly improve your home's WiFi coverage! Enjoy having a strong wireless signal in every corner of your house.