Khaberni - As technology rapidly advances, your old router might seem useless, but with some simple modifications to the settings, it can be utilized for multiple tasks around the home or office.
Technology experts confirm that reusing old devices not only saves the cost of buying new, specialized devices but also contributes to reducing electronic waste, which poses a significant environmental risk when disposed of improperly.
In light of users' desires for better internet speeds and higher security, many are forced to upgrade their router devices.
However, there are a few smart ways to convert an old router into a useful device, whether by boosting home WiFi networks, using it as an additional access point, or even turning it into a part of the internet network for smart devices; this saves money and reduces electronic waste.
Extending the WiFi Network
One of the simplest and most common ways to utilize an old router is to convert it into a WiFi range extender.
In large homes or offices with weak signal points, the old router can act as a network repeater, taking the signal from the new router and rebroadcasting it in areas that get poor coverage.
With some modifications to the internal settings of the device, it can operate in repeater mode for the current network at no additional cost.
Access Point
If the old router supports Access Point mode, it can be connected via an Ethernet cable to the main router device to deliver internet to devices in remote areas with better speeds than in repeater mode.
These access points are very useful if the site where you want to extend the network does not require a direct wireless connection from the new router. However, this method requires simple setup and a wired connection.
WiFi Network for Guests
If you do not want to give guests access to your main network, you can convert the old router into a separate guest network with a different username and password, thus isolating it from sensitive devices within the main network.
This is especially useful in environments that receive many visitors or when you want to protect your personal data without depriving guests of internet access.
Expanding the Number of Network Ports
Sometimes the problem isn’t the WiFi, but the number of wired ports available for your devices.
To solve this problem, the old router can be converted into something like a Network Switch to connect more devices via cables, such as gaming consoles, computers, or printers, without needing to buy a new device.
This solution ensures stable and fast connections for wired devices.
