When it comes to upgrading your home network, one of the first things you may consider doing is getting a new router. You may be tempted to throw away your old router, but there are several things you can do with it that are both environmentally friendly and potentially useful. While this is a great way to improve your internet speed and coverage, you might wonder what to do with it now.
If you have a large home or many dead spots where your Wi-Fi signal doesn’t reach, repurpose your old router as a Wi-Fi extender. This can be especially useful. You can extend your Wi-Fi signal throughout your home by setting up your old router as an extender. Alternatively, you can use your old router as a wireless bridge to connect devices that don’t have Wi-Fi capability to your home network. When you have an older gaming console or other device that only has an Ethernet port, this can be particularly useful.
Understanding Your Old Router
If you have an old router lying around, it can be hard to know what to do with it. Before deciding to discard it, you should find out what it is capable of and what its limitations are.
You should first identify the type of router you have: a wireless router or a wired router? Wireless routers connect to the internet wirelessly, while wired routers require a physical connection.
Older routers may not be compatible with newer technology, limiting their usefulness. Additionally, older routers may not have the same security features as newer models, which puts your network at risk.
The speed of your router is another important factor. Older routers may be unable to handle the same speeds as newer models, which can result in poor internet performance.
It may not be worth keeping or repurposing your router if it is damaged or broken in any way.
The more you know about the capabilities and limitations of your old router, the more confident you will be about your decision to repurpose or recycle it.
Selling Your Old Router
Selling your old router is a great way to make some extra cash. Here are a few things to keep in mind when selling your router.
If you are selling your router, make sure to reset it to its factory settings before selling it. This will remove any personal information or settings that may have been stored on the device.
To determine a fair asking price, check online marketplaces for similar routers such as Amazon or eBay. If your local electronics store buys used routers, you can also check online marketplaces.
To give potential buyers a good idea of how your router looks, take clear photos from all angles when listing it for sale. Be sure to include all relevant information such as the brand, model, and accessories included.
Don’t be afraid to haggle a bit with potential buyers if it means getting the price you want. Be willing to compromise if it means making a sale.
Selling your old router can be an excellent way to make some extra money while decluttering your home. Just be sure to follow these tips to ensure a smooth and successful sale.
Repurposing Old Routers
If you have an old router that you’re no longer using, don’t throw it away yet! There are several ways to repurpose it and get more use out of it.
Using as a Repeater
One way to repurpose an old router is to use it as a repeater. This can help extend the range of your Wi-Fi network, especially if you have a large house or many obstacles that interfere with your signal.
To use your old router as a repeater, you’ll need to set it up in “bridge mode.” This will allow it to receive the signal from your main router and then rebroadcast it to extend the range. Some routers have bridge mode, while others require custom firmware.
Creating a Guest Network
Another way to repurpose an old router is to create a guest network. This can be useful if you have visitors who need to use your Wi-Fi, but you don’t want to give them access to your main network.
To create a guest network, you’ll need a separate SSID and password for your old router. This will allow your guests to connect to the internet without accessing your personal files or devices.
Building a Wireless Bridge
Finally, you can also repurpose an old router to build a wireless bridge. This can be useful if you have a device without Wi-Fi, but want to connect it to your network wirelessly.
To build a wireless bridge, you’ll need to set up your old router in “client mode.” This will allow it to connect to your main router wirelessly and then provide a wired connection to your device.
Overall, there are many ways to repurpose an old router and get more use out of it. Whether you use it as a repeater, create a guest network, or build a wireless bridge, you can extend the life of your old router. You can also save money in the process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several options for what to do with old routers. As I discussed earlier, it’s important to evaluate the condition of your router and whether or not it can still be used for its intended purpose. If it can’t, there are still plenty of ways to use it.
One option is to repurpose your old router as a wireless access point. This can be a very effective way to extend Wi-Fi coverage and eliminate dead spots in your home. Another option is to use your old router as a network switch. This can be an excellent tool for connecting multiple devices to your network, especially if you have limited ports on your main router.
If you’re feeling creative, you can also turn your old router into a DIY project. There are plenty of online resources and tutorials available that can guide you through the process of creating a custom router or even a smart home device.
Finally, if none of these options appeal to you, it’s important to dispose of your old router properly. Many electronics retailers offer recycling programs for old routers, so check with your local store if they accept them.
Overall, the key is to be mindful of the environmental impact of your electronics and make responsible choices when disposing of them. By repurposing or recycling your old router, you can reduce e-waste and make a positive impact on the planet.