The old router messed up your drawer? Here is how to reuse your old router and save some money instead of throwing it away!
Do you think it's time for a new router? Maybe your new Internet Service Provider (ISP) has already issued one, or you just want to upgrade. Either way, you are facing a problem:
What should I do with the old router?
In the case of changing ISPs, you will often be asked to return the old equipment. But if you have an old router kicking in this place, here are a few ways to reuse it.
It may be in a box; it may mess up the drawer or be lost behind the closet. In any case, your old router or modem/router combination device can be reused.
We have identified 12 ways to reuse old Wi-Fi routers:
Let us understand these uses of old routers in more detail.
What if your Wi-Fi network does not extend to the entire range of your home? Although you might choose a powerline Ethernet adapter, adding a second router to the combination is a good choice.
This means using Wi-Fi signals to connect the old router to the new wireless network. It can then share access to the Wi-Fi network, thereby providing greater coverage. Although there may be some latency issues, this is a quick and easy way to extend a wireless network.
It has many uses, from enhancing the Wi-Fi signal in your home to letting you relax in the garden while streaming video to your tablet.
If you have people who frequently access and use your wireless Internet, why not give them their own network?
It's like a wireless repeater project, but it's different. The router is connected to your existing password-protected network, but you can access new devices without passwords. This will use the guest network function of the old router. By default, this prevents visitors from accessing other devices on your network.
If this security level is not enough, please check the firewall settings on the main router to adjust.
Want to enjoy your favorite radio station on the Internet? If you are going to install OpenWrt or DD-WRT custom router firmware, some routers can be configured to play webcasts.
You need some other software and a USB sound card to output audio.
Although this is not a simple build, and there are many other webcast options available, this is still a great project. It gives you an in-depth understanding of installing custom firmware and understanding how to stream music.
Most routers have no more than six Ethernet ports. With the increase in wireless technology around the home, this number may even be as low as four. However, since you obviously need to connect devices via Ethernet, you may run out of ports.
For example, using Ethernet to play online games via a console or PC is more reliable. Your TV decoder will provide better streaming media over Ethernet than wireless.
If you run out of Ethernet ports, you can use a network switch to add more ports. It is basically a network version of the main power strip, with an additional port plugged into a port of the router.
Your old router usually has four or more ports, so the connection immediately increases the number of available ports. You should disable the wireless network on the old router to avoid conflicts.
What if your new router only has wireless capabilities? Maybe your ISP does not provide a router with an Ethernet port, or you may use a 4G or 5G internet provider. Either way, if you need to connect an Ethernet device to your home network, a wireless bridge is the answer.
Although cheap, old routers can be reused as wireless bridges.
This is a bit like a wireless repeater, but instead of sharing a Wi-Fi connection, a wireless bridge provides Ethernet. Connect the old router to your existing Wi-Fi network-just connect the device to the Ethernet port.
Looking for a way to store data on a single device and access it from anywhere in your home? You need network attached storage (NAS), which is basically a hard drive connected to the network.
Although the NAS device is affordable enough, you can save money by using an old router. Please note that this is limited to routers that can run custom firmware (such as DD-WRT) and have a USB port. You should also be able to browse the contents of any connected USB device through the router.
(Without USB, you cannot connect a hard drive or USB flash drive.)
After setting up, your customized NAS should give you instant access to your files anywhere in your home.
Think about it: your old router will run OpenWRT or DD-WRT. It can host NAS or smart home hub. It stands to reason that it can also host a basic web page.
This may be a family-only website designed to share important information with your family. Or, it might even be a blog, because the custom router firmware will support LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP). This means you might install WordPress.
Run a website and need an affordable staging area to test themes, plugins and new code? Your old router may be the low-spec server you need.
Old routers supported by custom firmware can be set up using VPN software. This means that if you have a VPN account, such as ExpressVPN (MakeUseOf readers can save 49% on our top-ranked VPN options), you can set it up on your router.
Therefore, every device on your network is protected by VPN. When connecting to the VPN through your home network, you do not need to install a separate client application on your PC or mobile device.
Please note that some old routers have VPN functionality, but this only works when they are set to modem-only mode.
Related: How to set up a VPN on a router
If you don't want to waste time trying to set up an old router with modern hardware, why not sell it?
Various shops can make you a few dollars from old technology, the most famous is eBay. Just list the devices with the make and model. Your customers are usually anyone looking for an affordable router, but internet enthusiasts and vintage technology collectors may also be interested.
Generating cash for old equipment is a great way to raise funds for new equipment.
As mentioned earlier, most current routers allow you to set up a secondary network. But this does not only apply to guests in your home. It has many uses, especially for setting up auxiliary networks for the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart devices.
But what if your router does not support this? It's time to consider your old router. Just like creating a wireless bridge, the router can be linked to your main network, and then you only need to connect the IoT device to it. When a problem occurs, the plug can be easily unplugged, and the firewall on the router can be used to configure the connection.
The router is almost plug and play. They will automatically configure new connections so you can go online quickly and easily.
If you want to learn more about your home network, you can check the management screen. But if you click the wrong option, everything can go wrong. solution? Use your old router to learn more about your home network. Firewalls, DMZs, MAC filters, etc. can all be learned through practical experience without taking your entire network offline.
With the network hosted on the old router, if something goes wrong, you don’t have to rely on restoring factory settings.
Finally, why not simply donate your old router to a good cause? Schools, kindergartens, churches, charities, etc. can all use it.
Any organization that relies on goodwill can use your old router to expand its network, stream Internet radio, set up a guest Wi-Fi network, or any of the other uses listed here.
You may not make any money from the router, but you will know that it is used for a good cause.
These are all great ways to reuse an old router, no matter how old it is. Even if it lacks some key wireless features, you can still use it as a switch or guest network.
However, if none of these work, it may be time to consider selling or recycling the device.
Do you have a lot of old technology in your home? Learn exactly how to dispose of it in this technical recycling guide!
Associate editor of security, Linux, DIY, programming and technical explanations, and a truly useful podcast producer, with extensive experience in desktop and software support. As a contributor to Linux Format magazine, Christian is a Raspberry Pi tinker, Lego lover, and retro game fan.
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