How to Use a Spare Router as a Wifi Extender

Use a Spare Router as a Wifi Extender

If you have a spare router and want to save money, then instead of buying a new Wi-Fi extender, you can use it and set it up as a Wi-Fi extender.

If you wish to use your spare router as a Wi-Fiwifi extender, then make sure the router has features such as a bridge mode, wireless distribution system, and many more. The bridge mode will help in extending the coverage of the network. But, not all the routers support bridge mode. You have to also make sure that the spare router is compatible with the existing router. This way, it will be easy to set up a spare router as a wifi extender.

How Do You Use a Spare Router As a Wi-Fi Extender?

If you have a spare router and want to use it as a wifi extender, then you can follow the step-by-step guide to do that -

All the things required to start the process

• A spare router.
• A computer or any other device to access the settings of your router.
• An ethernet cable.
• You first have to reset the spare router and reset it to its factory default settings. 
• You have to connect your new router to the spare router with the help of an ethernet cable. The wired connection is preferred for better performance and stability. 
• Go to the web browser and type the IP address of the spare router, which can be 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
• Then login with the help of username and password. You can find these details on the router or the manual that comes with the router. 
• You have to look for the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) option in the router settings. 
• You have to disable the DHCP to avoid IP conflicts between the main router and the spare router. 
• Now, you have to assign a static IP address to your spare router, which has to be different from the main router. 
• Set the network name (SSID) and password for the spare router to match the existing Wi-Fi network. 
• You have to use the same security type as the main router. 
• Now, you have to place the spare router near the main router for the most favorable signal coverage. 
• After setting up everything, you have to test the connection by connecting your device to the spare router and test the connection.

You have now successfully set up your spare router as a wifi extender.