How to use an old router as an access point

Do not throw away your old router. You can use them as a Wifi extender or an access point to boost Wifi coverage in your house. In case there are areas where your Wifi signal is weak, here’s how to extend your Wifi range using an old router as an access point.

An access point is a device that connects your router, hub, or switches via an Ethernet cable and then broadcasts the WiFi signal using its in-built radio across the area. To set up your old router as an access point is easy.

The following is the step-by-step instruction to set up an old router as an access point. Things you need to have are as follows:

• An old router
• Ethernet cable (may be a long one to run from main router to the extender)
• Computer to set up the router

See also 5 tips to improve Wifi signal strength.

How to use an old router as an access point

1. Connect your computer to the old router.
   • Turn off Wifi setting on your computer.
   • Connect Ethernet cable from your computer to the old router.
2. Log in to the old router web-based settings page.
   • Open any internet browser.
   • Enter the old router IP address in the browser address bar.
   • Usually http://192.168.0.1 or read this to find router IP address.
   • Log in using the default username and password.
3. Set up the SSID and password for the Wifi network.
4. Turn Off DHCP.
   • Usually this setting can be found in LAN setup.
   • (the reason is to not let the old router to assign an IP address).
5. Create a unique IP adress.
   • Usually this setting can be found in LAN setup.
   • Change the IP address to a higher number.
   • Example: from 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.220
   • (keep the first three subset, only change the last subset).
6. Save all settings.
7. Connect Ethernet cable into the LAN port from the main router to the old router (access point).
8. Place the old router anywhere.

That’s it, done. Your old router is now an access point for your Wifi network. There will be two Wifi networks at your place. Turn on Wifi setting on your computer and connect to the Wifi network created by the access point using the password you set in step 3 above.

Easy isn’t it? If you have any questions, let me know in the comment below.