23 Apr Can I use a router as a wired wifi repeater?

Do you have an extra router lying around and wonder if you can turn it into a wired WiFi repeater? The good news is: yes, you can. Repurposing an old router as a wired WiFi repeater is not only a cost-effective solution, but it can also significantly improve your network coverage—especially in larger homes or buildings where your primary router’s signal might not reach every corner.

Before we dive into the ‘how,’ let’s make sure we’re clear on what this really means. A wired WiFi repeater (also called an access point in this context) connects to your main router via an Ethernet cable and broadcasts the same WiFi signal to extend the network range. Unlike wireless repeaters, it avoids the speed loss that often comes from relaying the signal wirelessly.

Why Use a Wired Repeater Instead of a Wireless One?

Many people use wireless repeaters because they’re easy to set up, but they come with a trade-off: speed. Wireless repeaters typically cut your bandwidth in half because they receive and transmit on the same channel. A wired connection, in contrast, offers:

• Full-speed connectivity: An Ethernet cable transmits data much faster and more reliably than WiFi.
• Lower latency: Great for online gaming and video calls where timing is crucial.
• Less interference: There’s no signal degradation due to thick walls or other electronic devices.

Setting Up Your Router as a Wired Repeater

What you’re essentially doing is turning your secondary router into an access point. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Reset the second router: Begin by resetting the secondary router to factory settings to avoid any configuration conflicts.
2. Connect via Ethernet: Plug in an Ethernet cable from one of the LAN ports on your primary router into one of the LAN ports on the second router (not the WAN port). This is what makes it a wired repeater.
3. Configure the IP address: Log into the admin panel of the secondary router (usually via a web browser using its default IP, like 192.168.1.1) and change its IP address to be in the same subnet as the main router but outside the DHCP range. For example, if your main router is 192.168.1.1, set the second one to 192.168.1.2.
4. Disable DHCP: You only want one DHCP server on your network—usually the main router. Disable DHCP on the secondary one to avoid conflicts.
5. Set the same SSID and password: For a seamless experience, use the same WiFi network name (SSID) and password on both routers. Devices will automatically connect to the router with the stronger signal.

Once those steps are complete, you’ve successfully set up a wired WiFi repeater! The second router now acts as an access point, effectively extending your wireless coverage without sacrificing speed or reliability.

Choosing the Right Location

Placement matters even when using a wired connection. Ideally, you want the second router placed in an area where signal from the primary router starts to drop. Since it’s wired, you have flexibility in positioning—it could even be upstairs or across a large office space. Just make sure your Ethernet cable is long enough!

Things to Watch Out For

While setting up your router as a wired repeater is generally straightforward, here are a few pitfalls to avoid:

• Firmware incompatibility: Some routers might not support access point mode or may require a firmware update. Check the manufacturer’s website for details.
• IP conflicts: Don’t forget to assign a static IP to the secondary router outside the DHCP range of the main one.
• Incorrect port usage: Plug the Ethernet cable into a LAN port on both routers, not the WAN port on the second router.

Conclusion

Using an old router as a wired WiFi repeater is a smart and practical way to improve your home or office network. It’s a simple DIY project that doesn’t require advanced tech skills, and it can save you from buying additional hardware like mesh systems or dedicated access points.

Invest a bit of time and a good Ethernet cable, and you’ll enjoy faster, more stable WiFi across a much wider area. Happy networking!