Many people toss away old WiFi routers, yet they might still be helpful. Don’t toss them away; there are ingenious new uses for them. You may expand and improve the Wi-Fi area, as well as store items there. You can still accomplish vital tasks with a new computer, whether you use it for personal, commercial, or educational purposes.
Create A Wireless Repeater
This gadget allows Wi-Fi to function in additional rooms of a home. Recalibration is already included in many routers. It is possible to connect an older WiFi router to the main Wi-Fi network. This option improves the signal in areas where it is poor. Wi-Fi that repeats is ideal for big houses or outdoor areas.
When used as repeaters, certain routers reduce signal speed. The old WiFi router has to be relocated so that it can join the new network. This does not make the internet quicker. It just increases the network’s reach. The router’s instructions provide simple steps for setting it up. Some routers’ software must be updated to enable resend mode.
This often entails turning off DHCP and updating the router’s IP address. You may also utilize third-party tools to make more adjustments. A booster helps to eliminate “dead zones” or areas where the internet is weak. This is an easy and low-cost approach to improving your home Wi-Fi.
Create A Guest WiFi Network
With a buddy Wi-Fi network, your visitors’ devices will be unable to connect to your primary ones. You may create one using an old WiFi router. This approach keeps individuals away from personal data, making things safer. Some routers have a guest network option. Connect the old WiFi router to your primary network.
Private information may be utilized on the internet without others being able to see it. A guest network does not need a router if one is not configured. You may also adjust the pace of links so that they do not move too slowly. An old WiFi router is easy to set up as a guest network. You should cease utilizing shared devices and change your SSID.
Some routers allow you to schedule periods when Wi-Fi will not operate. A guest network ensures that individuals who aren’t allowed to be there cannot access smart home gadgets. You’ll have greater control over who uses your internet once you put this up.
Listen To Internet Radio
If you have the necessary software, you can watch internet radio on an outdated computer. Running specific software on certain routers allows you to add additional functions. To play music, you’ll need a USB sound card. Streaming connections enable many internet radio broadcasts to function properly. If you configure your computer correctly, it can always stream music to speakers. This configuration is ideal for home video systems.
To install new software, you must first identify a compatible router. There have been a lot of software changes that allow you to see more clearly. This option allows you to listen to music without using a computer or phone. Receiving internet radio via a network rather than a laptop requires less electricity. This alternative works well at home, coffee shops, and small businesses.
Upgrade Your Old Router To A Wireless Bridge
A wireless bridge allows previously connected devices to connect to a Wi-Fi network. Many ISPs hand out switches with no Ethernet ports. Non-Wi-Fi devices may connect via a wireless bridge. This configuration works nicely with older PCs or printers. Set the router to bridge mode. Some routers need software from a separate source to function properly.
With a wireless bridge, you may connect more devices to the internet without adding additional lines. The home network is more open now that it’s configured this way. Dead zones are eliminated when a bridge is installed in the proper location. Some routers have dual-band connectivity, which improves their performance. A wireless bridge makes it safe for critical equipment to connect to the internet via wires.
Make Your Router Work As A NAS Drive
You can put items on a NAS disc and share them via a network. Some routers offer USB ports for connecting external drives. Custom software might include file-sharing facilities. A NAS disc allows you to store all of your data in one location. With this configuration, you may view movies and create backups of your stuff.
The computer has to be configured so that it can view what is on another machine. Some routers come pre-configured with FTP or SMB. A NAS disc allows several devices to access the same data multiple times. This option lets you keep information organized at home or in a small workplace. A NAS disc allows you to store data on the cloud at a lower cost.
A Web Server Can Be An Old WiFi Router
Small websites that only appear in your location are stored on a web server. Some routers allow you to run basic server software. One outdated PC may be utilized to browse the web. A home web server allows you to share private data. Some routers allow you to create dynamic pages using PHP and MySQL.
It may help you learn how to create websites and set up your web server. You must update the program to utilize this feature. Some routers provide a tiny storage area. You may operate your site for a reasonable cost using a web server on a router. This configuration is ideal for both personal projects and work-related testing.
Conclusion
There are several things you can do with an older WiFi router. An old WiFi router may be used to improve your home’s WiFi. It benefits others when you gift or sell a router. You may learn more about technology by adjusting to new router functions. You can utilize the internet more effectively if your computer is correctly configured. Old WiFi routers should be recycled.
