Having weak WiFi signal in parts of your home or office can be frustrating. While you can buy commercial WiFi extenders, making your own from an old router is inexpensive and can also be a fun DIY project.
In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through all the steps and considerations for making a powerful DIY WiFi extender using an old router you may have lying around.
Why Make Your Own WiFi Extender
There are several good reasons to make your own WiFi extender rather than buying one:
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Cost savings - Buying a commercial WiFi extender can cost $50 or more. Using an old router you already own is practically free.
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Better performance - A commercial WiFi extender splits the signal between your main router and the extender, reducing bandwidth. But using an old router as a dedicated extender maintains full bandwidth.
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Fun project - If you enjoy tinkering with electronics and networking gear, this can be an engaging DIY project.
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Customization - You can tweak settings like WiFi channels, SSID and security settings when making your own. Commercial extenders offer less flexibility.
As long as you have an old router that's no more than 3-5 years old, making your own extender is easy and worthwhile.
How a WiFi Extender Works
Before getting into the steps for making one, let's look at how a WiFi extender works:
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It connects wirelessly to your existing router to grab the WiFi signal.
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It rebroadcasts and amplifies that signal to extend coverage to weak areas.
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Devices connect to the extender's SSID, not your main router's SSID.
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The extender passes data back and forth between your devices and the main router.
So in essence, the extender acts as a middleman to bring WiFi to areas your main router can't reach well on its own.
Choosing an Old Router
The first step is finding an old router you can repurpose as an extender. What should you look for?
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Wireless N - Look for a router with 802.11n wireless. This will provide much better performance than older 802.11g gear.
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Dual band - If possible, get a dual band router that supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz. This gives you more flexibility.
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Gigabit ports - Extenders with gigabit LAN ports maintain fast wired speeds.
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DD-WRT compatible - Routers that support the DD-WRT open source firmware offer the most configuration options.
Avoid routers more than 3-5 years old, as they likely won't have great wireless range. Don't use your current primary router either.
DD-WRT Firmware
One key piece is installing DD-WRT third party firmware on your old router. This opens up the advanced networking options we need.
The process to install DD-WRT varies by router model. Check their router database to find instructions for your specific router.
Key steps are typically:
- Reset router to factory default settings
- Download correct DD-WRT firmware file
- Access router admin panel and install firmware
- Reboot router to complete installation
DD-WRT unlocks features like:
- Using router as a wireless repeater
- Advanced WiFi settings
- Better monitoring and stats
- Regular firmware updates
So take the time to install DD-WRT before proceeding.
Configuring Your Router as a Repeater
Once you have DD-WRT installed, you can configure your old router to act as a wireless extender. Here are the steps:
1. Name Your Extender Network
Come up with a new SSID name for the extended network. For example, add "_EXT" to your current SSID.
2. Set Extender to Client Bridge Mode
In the DD-WRT admin panel, go to the Wireless tab. Set the Wireless Mode to "Client Bridge".
3. Choose Your Main Router's WiFi Network
Select the SSID of your current primary router as the Bridged SSID. This allows the extender to connect to your existing WiFi.
4. Configure Security Settings
Match the WiFi Password and Encryption settings to your current primary router.
5. Save Settings and Reboot Extender
Save your settings changes in DD-WRT and reboot the extender router.
When it comes back up, it will now be extending your existing network!
Optimizing Placement
Where you place your DIY WiFi extender is important. Follow these tips:
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Put it about halfway between your main router and weak coverage area. Don't go too far.
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Avoid obstacles like thick walls, metal, and mirrors that block WiFi signals.
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Elevation helps - place it higher up like on a bookshelf to improve range.
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Test different spots and use WiFi analyzer apps to optimize placement.
Also use Ethernet cables if possible rather than relying solely on wireless uplink to your main router.
Adjusting Antennas
If your extender router has external antennas, adjusting their positioning can improve range:
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Point vertical antennas sideways in different directions to spread the signal.
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Place antennas parallel to each other at same angles.
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Raise antennas if possible and clear area around them.
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Consider buying higher gain antennas to drastically improve range.
Fine tuning antennas is easy and can make a big difference.
Wrapping Up
Turning an old router into a WiFi extender is easy thanks to DD-WRT firmware. With some simple configuration, placement optimization, and antenna adjustment you can create an extender that rivals commercial options.
The end result is whole home WiFi coverage without spending much. Plus you get to put an old router to good new use.
I hope this guide gave you everything you need to make your own powerful WiFi extender. Let me know if you have any other questions!