Introduction:

In today’s fast-paced digital world, staying connected to the internet is of utmost importance. Whether for work, education, or entertainment, users strive for the best and most convenient options. One such option is repurposing your old Wi-Fi router to function as an access point. This article will guide you on how to turn your old Wi-Fi router into a highly efficient access point.

Step 1: Gathering the Necessary Equipment

Before you begin setting up your old router as an access point, ensure you have the following equipment:

– An old Wi-Fi router

– An Ethernet cable

– A computer to set up the access point

Step 2: Resetting Your Old Router

First and foremost, reset your old Wi-Fi router to its factory settings. Locate the reset button in your router (usually a small pinhole at the back) and press it using a paper clip or pen tip. Hold it for around 10 seconds or until all the lights blink off and then back on.

Step 3: Connecting Your Old Router to Your Computer

To configure your old router as an access point, connect it directly to your computer using an Ethernet cable. Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the LAN port of your router and the other end into your computer’s Ethernet port.

Step 4: Accessing Your Old Router’s Admin Interface

Open a web browser on your computer and type in your old router’s default IP address (usually printed on a sticker beneath the router). Enter the default username and password when prompted (typically ‘admin’ for both). You should now have access to your old router’s admin interface.

Step 5: Configuring Your Old Router as an Access Point

Once inside the admin interface, perform the following steps:

1. Disable or turn off the DHCP server function in your old router. This will prevent it from assigning IP addresses.

2. Assign a static IP address within the same subnet as your primary router. If your primary router’s IP address is 192.168.1.1, you can set your old router’s IP address to 192.168.1.2.

3. Enable the Wi-Fi function and set the SSID (network name) and password. You can either use the same SSID as your primary router for seamless connectivity or create a distinct SSID to differentiate the access point.

4. Match the wireless security settings of your old router with those of your primary router (e.g., WPA2-PSK).

Step 6: Connecting Your Old Router to Your Primary Router

Once you have configured your old router as an access point, connect it to your primary router using an Ethernet cable. Plug one end of the cable into the LAN port of your old router and the other end into any available LAN port on your primary router.

Conclusion:

That’s it! You have successfully converted your old Wi-Fi router into an access point, expanding your home network coverage and enhancing connectivity across devices. With this practical solution, you can put your outdated router to good use while optimizing internet connections throughout your space.