Don’t toss that old router just yet. It can do a lot more than you think – like fixing Wi-Fi dead zones, boosting your security, or even saving you some cash. From expanding your network to setting up a secure VPN, there are plenty of smart ways to make the most of it. Here’s how to give it a new purpose and keep it out of the junk drawer.
Extend your Wi‑Fi coverage
Many homes experience dead zones where the Wi‑Fi signal is weak. You can repurpose your old router as a repeater, extending your network’s range to cover these spots. Enhanced coverage helps ensure a stable connection throughout your home, a critical factor with the increasing trend of remote work. Before setting up, ensure your old router supports repeater or access point mode. You may need to install custom firmware like DD-WRT or OpenWrt for optimal functionality.
Convert it into a network switch
If you find that your primary router does not offer enough Ethernet ports for your wired devices, you can reconfigure your old router into a simple network switch. By disabling its wireless function, you can use its LAN ports to add extra wired connections for desktops, printers, and smart TVs. A reliable wired connection is important for productivity, as stable network infrastructure is linked to better performance in home offices. This method also helps reduce electronic waste by making use of an otherwise unused device.
Create a separate guest network
For enhanced security, use your old router to set up a dedicated guest network. This network isolates traffic from visitors, ensuring that their devices do not have access to your primary network. With over 880 thousand Americans expressing complaints about cyber threats, keeping guest traffic separate protects your data and maintains network performance. It is a simple yet effective way to safeguard your digital life while still offering internet access to guests.
Turn it into a VPN server
Secure remote access by repurposing your old router as a VPN server. With the rise in remote work, safeguarding your internet traffic is more important than ever. A VPN server encrypts your data and provides secure access to your home network when you are away, ensuring that your online activities remain private. Be aware that this setup process can be complex and may void the warranty, so it’s recommended for users with technical proficiency. By doing this, you can enjoy enhanced security without the recurring costs of commercial VPN services.
Use it as a wireless print server
Many printers lack wireless connectivity, which can be an issue in today’s digital age. By repurposing your old router as a wireless print server, you can connect a USB printer and share it with all devices on your network. This solution is particularly useful in a home office setting where reliable printing is necessary. However, to use your old router as a print server, it must have a USB port that supports printer connections. Verify compatibility before proceeding to ensure a smooth setup. This approach helps reduce electronic waste while maximizing the utility of your old device.
Convert it to a basic NAS
You can transform your old router into a basic network-attached storage (NAS) device. By connecting an external hard drive through the USB port, you create a centralized storage solution for files, backups, and media. As digital storage consumption in US households has risen steadily over the years, having a dedicated NAS for sharing and backing up data can be a cost-effective solution compared to buying a new storage system. This is ideal for light usage, such as media streaming or backup storage, but users with extensive storage needs should consider dedicated NAS devices.
Repurpose it as a firewall or network monitor
Enhance your network security by converting your old router into a dedicated firewall or network monitor. With cyber-attacks on home networks increasing, monitoring traffic and blocking unauthorized access is crucial. Installing custom firmware can help you track data flows and detect suspicious activity. Strengthening your network in this way adds an extra layer of protection without the need for expensive new equipment.
Set up an isolated IoT network
With the number of smart devices growing in every home, isolating Internet of Things (IoT) gadgets from your main network is a wise move. Repurpose your old router to run a separate network for IoT devices, reducing the risk that a compromised device can expose your data. The count of IoT devices is expected to surge, making network isolation an important strategy for maintaining security and performance.
Repurpose it as a media server hub
Centralize your digital media by integrating your old router into a media server hub. By connecting an external drive, you can store and stream movies, music, and photos throughout your home. The market of streaming services continues to rise, and having a centralized media hub makes sharing content easier and more efficient without the cost of buying a dedicated server.
Use it for educational purposes
Your old router can be a valuable learning tool. Experiment with installing custom firmware and modifying network settings to gain practical insights into networking and cybersecurity. Recent studies show that interest in IT training and services has increased significantly in the US. Using old hardware for educational experiments can help build real-world technical knowledge without a major investment.
