An old router can often improve coverage instead of sitting unused. The best reuse is a wired access point; some models can also work as a wireless repeater if the firmware supports it.
Does this affect you?
Use this if you upgraded your router and want the old one to extend Wi-Fi coverage for a newer main router or mesh network.
Set it up as a wired access point
This is the most reliable method and works on many routers.
- Log into the old router admin page, often 192.168.1.1 or the address on its label.
- Open LAN Setup or DHCP Settings and turn DHCP Server off.
- Change the old router IP to an unused address on the same subnet as the main router, outside the main DHCP range. For example, use 192.168.1.5 if the main router hands out 192.168.1.100 and above.
- Run Ethernet from a LAN port on the main router to a LAN port on the old router. Do not use the old router WAN/Internet port unless its AP mode specifically requires it.
- Set the Wi-Fi name and password. Match the main network for easier roaming, or use a distinct name for manual choice.
- Power-cycle the old router and test a device near it.
Set it up as a wireless repeater
This works only when the old router firmware has the feature.
- Log into the old router admin page.
- Look for Wireless Bridge, Repeater Mode, Client Mode, WDS, or Operation Mode.
- If present, choose that mode and select your main Wi-Fi network from the scan list.
- Enter the main Wi-Fi password.
- Save and let the old router restart.
- If no repeater or bridge mode exists, use wired access point mode instead.
More control
Choose based on cable availability
If Ethernet can reach the location, use access point mode. If not, repeater mode is only worth trying when the old router explicitly supports it.
Repeating costs bandwidth
Wireless repeating often cuts available speed because the same radio receives and rebroadcasts traffic.
Match security settings for roaming
Same-name roaming works best when both routers use the same password and compatible security mode such as WPA2 or WPA3.
Old routers have old speed limits
A pre-Wi-Fi 5 or pre-Wi-Fi 6 router may improve coverage but cap speeds for devices connected through it.
Sources
- Netgear Support – Access Point Mode vs Router Mode (2025)
- TP-Link Support – Setting Up an Access Point (2025)
- FCC Consumer Guide – Wireless Network Troubleshooting (2024)