5 Practical Uses for Your Old Router (Before You Dispose of It!)

Thinking about upgrading your router? Whether you’ve received a new one from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or just want a better model, you might be wondering what to do with your old router.

If you’re switching ISPs, you may need to return the old router. However, if you have one lying around, there are several practical ways to repurpose it.

Here are five useful ways to reuse an old router:

1. Wireless Repeater: Extend the range of your current Wi-Fi network by using your old router as a wireless repeater.
2. Guest Wi-Fi Connection: Set up a separate Wi-Fi network for guests, keeping your main network secure.
3. *nternet Radio: Convert it into a low-cost internet radio by connecting it to a media streaming device.
4. Network Switch: Use the old router as a network switch to expand the number of wired connections in your home.
5. Wireless Bridge: Connect devices to your network in areas with weak signal by using the old router as a wireless bridge.

Each of these options can give new life to your old router and help you make the most of your technology.

1. Build a Wireless Repeater

What if your Wi-Fi network doesn’t extend across the full range of your home? Although you might opt for powerline Ethernet adapters, adding a second router into the mix is a good alternative.

This means connecting the old router to your new wireless network, using the Wi-Fi signal. It can then share access to the Wi-Fi network, giving greater coverage. Although there may be some latency issues, this is a quick and easy way to extend your wireless network.

It has various uses, from boosting your Wi-Fi signal around your home to letting you stream video to your tablet while chilling in the garden.

2. Guest Wi-Fi Connection

If you have people regularly dropping in and using your wireless internet, why not give them their own network?

This is like the wireless repeater project, but with a twist. The router connects to your existing, password-protected network, but gives password-free access to new devices. This will use the guest network feature of your old router. By default, this prevents guests accessing other devices on your network.

If this level of security isn’t enough, check the firewall settings on the main router to adjust.

3. Cheap Internet Radio Streamer

Still wondering what you can do with an old router?

Why not enjoy your favorite radio stations on the internet? Some routers can be configured to play internet radio, if you’re prepared to install OpenWrt or DD-WRT custom router firmware.

You’ll need some other software, as well as a USB sound card to output audio.

While not an easy build, and plenty of other internet radio options are available, this is still a great project. It gives you an insight into installing custom firmware, as well as an appreciation of how to stream music.

 4. Use the Router as a Cheap Network Switch

Most routers don’t have more than six Ethernet ports. With the increase in wireless technology around the home, this figure might even be as low as four. But with a clear need for devices to be connected over Ethernet, you might run out of ports.

For example, online gaming with a console or PC is more reliable using Ethernet. Your TV decoder will provide better streaming over Ethernet than wireless.

If you run out of Ethernet ports, you can add more with a network switch. It’s basically the networking version of a mains power bar, with additional ports plugged into one port on the router.

Your old router typically has four or more ports, so connecting will instantly increase the number of ports available. You should disable wireless networking on the old router, to avoid conflicts.

5. Turn Your Old Router Into a Wireless Bridge

What if your new router is wireless only? Perhaps the ISP doesn’t offer a router with Ethernet ports, or maybe you use a 4G or 5G internet provider. Either way, if you need to connect Ethernet devices to your home network, a wireless bridge is the answer.

While inexpensive, an old router can be adapted as a wireless bridge.

This works a little like a wireless repeater, but rather than share the Wi-Fi connection, the wireless bridge offers Ethernet. The old router connects to your existing Wi-Fi network—simply connect devices to the Ethernet ports.