What to Do with Old Routers?

When it comes to technology, it’s easy to accumulate a lot of old devices over time. One of the most common pieces of tech that people tend to replace frequently is their router. Whether it’s because of a new internet service provider or simply an upgrade to a faster model, many people find themselves with old routers that they no longer need. So, what should you do with these old devices?

First and foremost, it’s important to understand that old routers can still hold value. Even if you no longer need them for your own internet connection, they can be repurposed in a variety of ways. For example, you could use an old router to extend the range of your Wi-Fi network, set up a guest network for visitors, or even create a separate network for smart home devices. With a little bit of creativity, you can make use of your old router in a way that benefits you and your home.

Repurpose as a Network Switch

If you have an old router lying around, you can repurpose it as a network switch.

Setting Up

A network switch is a device that allows you to connect multiple devices to a network. The process of setting up your old router as a network switch is relatively straightforward.

Connect an Ethernet cable from your primary router to one of the LAN ports on your old router. Next, log in to the old router’s web interface and disable the DHCP server. This will prevent the old router from assigning IP addresses to devices on the network. Finally, connect any devices you want to add to the network to the remaining LAN ports on the old router.

Benefits

Repurposing your old router as a network switch has several benefits.

First, it can help you expand your wired network without having to purchase additional hardware. By connecting devices to the old router’s LAN ports, you can increase the number of devices that can be connected to your network.

Second, it can help improve network performance. By connecting devices to the old router’s LAN ports, you can reduce the load on your primary router, which can improve overall network performance.

Finally, it can help you isolate devices on your network. By connecting devices to the old router’s LAN ports, you can create a separate network segment that is isolated from the rest of your network. This can be useful if you have devices that you want to isolate for security reasons or to prevent them from interfering with other devices on your network.

In summary, repurposing your old router as a network switch is a simple and cost-effective way to expand your network and improve network performance.

Creating a Wireless Bridge

Understanding the Process

To create a wireless bridge, I need to connect two routers wirelessly. One router will act as the main router, and the other will act as a client. The client router will connect to the main router wirelessly and extend the network coverage.

To create a wireless bridge, I need to follow these steps:

1. Access the client router’s web interface and configure it to work as a wireless bridge.
2. Connect the client router to the main router wirelessly.
3. Disable the DHCP server on the client router.
4. Assign a static IP address to the client router.
5. Connect the devices to the client router’s LAN ports.

Advantages

Creating a wireless bridge has several advantages:

1. It extends the network coverage without the need for additional wiring.
2. It allows me to connect devices that are far away from the main router.
3. It can improve the network performance by reducing the distance between the devices and the router.
4. It can be a cost-effective solution for extending the network coverage.

Overall, creating a wireless bridge is a simple and effective way to extend the network coverage without the need for additional wiring. With a few simple steps, I can connect two routers wirelessly and improve the network performance.

Building a Wi-Fi Repeater

I have found that one of the most useful things to do with an old router is to turn it into a Wi-Fi repeater.

Step-by-Step Guide

A Wi-Fi repeater is a device that extends the range of your Wi-Fi network by repeating the signal from your existing router. This can be particularly useful if you have a large house or if you want to extend your Wi-Fi network to an area outside your home.

To build a Wi-Fi repeater, you will need an old router and a few other items:

• Ethernet cable
• Computer or laptop
• Power source

Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Connect your computer or laptop to the old router using an Ethernet cable.
2. Open a web browser and enter the IP address of the old router in the address bar. This will typically be something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. If you don’t know the IP address, you can usually find it on the bottom of the router or in the manual.
3. Log in to the router’s settings page using the default username and password. If you don’t know the username and password, you can usually find it in the manual or by searching online.
4. Look for the “Wireless Repeater” or “Wireless Bridge” option in the router’s settings. This may be located under the “Wireless” or “Advanced” settings.
5. Enable the wireless repeater or bridge mode and enter the SSID (network name) and password of your existing Wi-Fi network.
6. Save the settings and unplug the Ethernet cable from the old router.
7. Plug the old router into a power source in the area where you want to extend your Wi-Fi network.

Why It’s Useful

Building a Wi-Fi repeater can be a cost-effective way to extend the range of your Wi-Fi network without having to purchase additional hardware. It can also be useful if you have a large house or if you want to extend your Wi-Fi network to an area outside your home, such as a garage or backyard. Additionally, a Wi-Fi repeater can help improve the speed and reliability of your Wi-Fi network by reducing the distance between your devices and the router.

Donate or Recycle

If your old router is still in working condition, you may consider donating it to a local school, community center, or library. Many organizations are in need of routers to provide internet access to those who may not have it at home.

Before donating your router, make sure to reset it to its factory settings to protect your personal information. You can find instructions on how to do this in the user manual or by searching online for your specific router model.

If your router is no longer working or cannot be donated, recycling is the best option. Many electronics retailers, such as Best Buy and Staples, offer recycling programs for old routers and other electronics. You can also check with your local government or waste management facility for information on electronics recycling in your area.

When recycling your old router, make sure to remove any personal information by resetting it to its factory settings or by physically removing the hard drive. This will protect your privacy and prevent any potential data breaches.

Remember, properly disposing of your old router not only helps the environment but also ensures your personal information remains secure.

Sell Your Old Router

If you’re looking to make some extra cash, selling your old router is a great option. There are several ways to go about it, so let’s take a look at some of the most popular options.

Online Marketplaces

Online marketplaces like eBay, Amazon, and Craigslist are great places to sell your old router. These platforms allow you to reach a large audience of potential buyers, and you can set your own price.

When selling on these platforms, be sure to include clear photos of the router and any accessories, as well as a detailed description of its condition and any issues it may have. You’ll also want to research similar routers to see what they’re selling for, so you can price yours competitively.

Trade-In Programs

Many electronics retailers and manufacturers offer trade-in programs for old routers. These programs allow you to trade in your old router for credit toward a new one.

When considering a trade-in program, be sure to research the value of your old router to ensure you’re getting a fair deal. You may also want to compare the value of the credit you’ll receive to the cost of a new router to see if it’s worth it.

Local Resellers

Local electronics resellers may also be interested in buying your old router. These resellers often specialize in buying and selling used electronics and may be willing to offer you a fair price for your router.

When selling to a local reseller, be sure to research their reputation and read reviews from other sellers. You’ll also want to negotiate the price to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.

Overall, selling your old router is a great way to make some extra cash and clear out clutter. With these tips, you’ll be able to find the best option for your needs and get the most value for your old router.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several options for what to do with old routers. Depending on the condition of the device, it may be possible to repurpose it for a different use or donate it to a local organization. If the router is no longer functional, it is important to dispose of it properly to avoid potential harm to the environment.

One option for repurposing an old router is to use it as a wireless bridge. This can help extend the range of your Wi-Fi network and improve connectivity in areas of your home or office that may have weaker signal strength. Another option is to use the router as a wireless access point, which can help provide Wi-Fi coverage in areas that may not have it.

If you choose to donate your old router, consider contacting local schools, community centers, or non-profit organizations to see if they have a need for it. Many of these organizations may be able to put the device to good use, helping to provide internet access to those who may not have it.

When it comes to disposing of old routers, it is important to do so properly. Many electronics retailers offer recycling programs for old devices, including routers. Additionally, some cities and municipalities may have special collection events for electronic waste. By properly disposing of your old router, you can help protect the environment and reduce the amount of electronic waste that ends up in landfills.

Overall, there are several options for what to do with old routers. Whether you choose to repurpose the device, donate it, or dispose of it properly, taking action can help reduce electronic waste and benefit your community.