Ever wondered what you should do with the old router? Well, don’t toss it away, as there are plenty of ways to reuse it and bring it back to life.
Take it out from the discarded box and follow the simple yet effective methods mentioned here to reuse it properly.
There’s a good chance that you have at least one router lying in the back of your wardrobe, so don’t throw it away.
Whether you’ve bought a new router or are facing a No Internet Secured error when using the old one, there are potential ways to add a new life to your old router. Scroll down and have a closer look.
Table of Contents
10 Easy Ways to Reuse Your Old Router
Without further ado, let’s outline the ten easy ways to reuse the Old Router. I bet you’ve never imagined these ways like ever before.
Shall we proceed?
1. Make it a WiFi Extender
Yes, you read it right!! You can easily make your old router as a WiFi extender (often called a repeater). You might not know, but many routers can be turned into extenders by simply changing a few settings in their internal software.
However, the instructions depend on the type of router you own. In general, you can simply log into the router’s settings page and toggle it from router to repeater to get the job done.
2. Stream Internet Radio
The next best use of an old router is to stream your favorite radio stations online. Some routers can be configured to play internet audio. However, you might need some other software and a USB sound card to output audio.
Please don’t consider it a professional way to stream your internet radio, as plenty of other radio options are available, and it is just a way to reuse your old router.
3. Make It Into an Access Point
The other method to reuse your old router is to turn it into an access point. This is mainly used to extend your network without the downsides of a WiFi repeater.
Wondering how? Many routers come with an AP Mode. All you have to do is enable that mode, and your router will then stop working as a router. It then operates as an access point to another router.
4. Use it as a VPN Router
Does your old router support a VPN? If yes, then you can easily use it as a VPN router for some devices without affecting other household network connections.
To do this, you must use the old router as a VPN access point, then hook it up to your current router, much like you did when using it as an access point.
5. Make it a Network Switch
Another simple way to reuse an old router is to make it a network switch. Nowadays, most routers come with about four Ethernet ports and these are enough to make it a network switch.
Moreover, it’s an easy process. All you have to do is a small scratching around your router’s menus or flashing it with new custom firmware to get the job done.
6. Use it as a Network Bridge
Yes, you can reuse your old router as a Network Bridge. This works like a wireless repeater except for sharing the WiFi connection, it bridges over the Ethernet.
Connect your old router to your existing WiFi network and connect further devices to its Ethernet ports. Simple, isn’t it?
7. Convert Your Router Into a NAS Drive
If you are looking for an inexpensive method to save your data on a single device, then reuse your old router as a NAS drive. NAS, or Network Attached Storage, is basically a hard drive attached to your network.
However, note that the method is limited to routers that can run custom firmware and have a USB port.
8. Use it as a Web Server
Do you know your old router can host a basic web page? Yes, you read it right. So, why not use this router as a web server for your home-only website, where you can share vital information with your family?
Alternatively, you can use it to host a bog or anything you like. So, if you are running a website and looking for an affordable way to test themes, use your router as a low-spec server.
9. Configure it as a Public Hotspot
Do you require a public hotspot? Think big with your old router and make it more than just a standard guest WiFi access point.
Install dedicated software, like OpenWrt or DD-WRT router, that enables it to create a WiFi hotspot for your business. It can offer both paid or free internet access along with branded interfaces and adverts.
10. Keep It as a Backup Router
Still looking for other ways to reuse your old router? Well, if you don’t want to do much hassle, just keep it as a backup router, in case your current router doesn’t work.
Your current router can get out of service because of lighting, bad luck, or anything. So, keep your old router safe and reuse it in your hour of need.
Summing Up
So, do you like these smart ways to reuse your old router? Why throw your router when there are multiple ways to add life to this device? Routers are expensive; hence, tossing them in the bin isn’t always easy.
So, if you still want to use this device, opt for any of the options above and give a new life to your router.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What Does a Router Do?
Ans. The router connects all devices on your home network to the internet. Moreover, it offers firewall protection against threats.
Q. What is the Use of an Old Router?
Ans. You can use the old router as a WiFi extender, network switch, NAS device, and public hotspot. Modify its settings as a router and use it the way you want.
