How to Turn an Old Router into a Wi-Fi Repeater - extend your WiFi network

How to Turn an Old Router into a Wi-Fi Repeater

Do you have an old router collecting dust in a drawer? Instead of throwing it away, you can turn it into a Wi-Fi repeater and extend your wireless network coverage for free! This simple guide will walk you through every step to repurpose your old router and boost your home Wi-Fi signal.

🔧 What You’ll Need

• Old Wi-Fi router (any brand — TP-Link, D-Link, ASUS, etc.)
• Main router with an active internet connection
• Ethernet cable
• Computer or laptop for configuration

⚙️ Step 1: Reset the Old Router

To start clean, hold the reset button on your old router for about 10–15 seconds. Wait for it to reboot — this will restore the factory settings and remove any previous configurations.

Use a pin or paperclip to press and hold the reset button.

🖥️ Step 2: Connect to the Old Router

Connect your PC or laptop to the old router using an Ethernet cable (LAN port). Open your browser and type one of these default addresses:

• 192.168.0.1
• 192.168.1.1

Login with the default credentials (usually admin / admin).

🌐 Step 3: Change the IP Address

To avoid conflicts with your main router, set a new local IP address. For example, if your main router is 192.168.1.1, change your old router’s IP to 192.168.1.2. Save and reboot.

Assign a unique IP to your old router within the same subnet.

📶 Step 4: Disable DHCP

Go to DHCP Settings and disable the DHCP server. This allows your main router to assign IP addresses for all devices on the network.

🔗 Step 5: Connect Both Routers

There are two ways to connect the routers:

Option 1: LAN-to-LAN (Recommended)

Connect an Ethernet cable from one of the LAN ports on your main router to a LAN port on the old router.

Option 2: Wireless Repeater Mode

If your old router supports “Repeater Mode” or “WDS Bridging,” enable it and connect it wirelessly to your main router’s SSID.

Use WDS or Repeater Mode if no Ethernet cable is available.

📡 Step 6: Match the Wi-Fi Settings

Set the same SSID and password as your main router if you want seamless roaming between the two signals. Alternatively, choose a different SSID (e.g., “Home_Extender”) to identify the repeater.

✅ Step 7: Test Your Network

Disconnect your Ethernet cable and walk around your home with your smartphone or laptop. You should notice stronger Wi-Fi coverage, especially in previous dead zones.

Check your Wi-Fi signal — you should see improved coverage in all rooms.

💡 Bonus Tip: Use DD-WRT or OpenWRT Firmware

If your old router supports it, you can install custom firmware like DD-WRT or OpenWRT for advanced repeater options and better performance.

🏁 Conclusion

Turning an old router into a Wi-Fi repeater is a cost-free and eco-friendly way to improve your home network coverage. With just a few settings, you can turn obsolete hardware into a powerful network extender.

Written by Computeria ITS — Smart IT solutions for your home and office.

How to Share Files Between Two Computers Over LAN

Sharing files between two computers on the same local network (LAN) is one of the fastest and most secure ways to transfer data. Whether you want to move large files, back up documents, or collaborate on a home network, this guide will help you set it up in minutes.

🔌 What You’ll Need

• Two computers connected to the same LAN (via Ethernet or Wi-Fi)
• Windows 10 or Windows 11 operating system
• Administrator access on both computers

⚙️ Step 1: Connect Both Computers to the Same Network

If you’re using Wi-Fi, make sure both devices are connected to the same wireless router. For a faster connection, use an Ethernet cable and connect both PCs directly or through a switch.

Make sure both PCs are on the same network before sharing files.

🖥️ Step 2: Enable File Sharing

On both computers:

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Advanced sharing settings.
2. Enable:
   • Turn on network discovery
   • Turn on file and printer sharing
3. Click Save changes.

📂 Step 3: Share a Folder

Right-click the folder you want to share → select Properties → Sharing tab → Advanced Sharing → check Share this folder → click Apply.

Enable sharing for a specific folder.

🔑 Step 4: Access the Shared Folder from the Other Computer

On the second computer, open File Explorer → in the address bar type:

\\ComputerName\SharedFolder

Alternatively, go to Network in File Explorer and select the first PC.

🛠️ Troubleshooting Tips

• Ensure both PCs are in the same Workgroup (Control Panel → System).
• Temporarily disable antivirus/firewall if sharing doesn’t work.
• Check IP addresses: both should start with the same subnet (e.g., 192.168.1.x).

💡 Bonus Tip: Create a Shortcut

You can right-click the shared folder → Send to → Desktop (create shortcut) for faster access next time.

Accessing shared folders over LAN is quick and efficient.

✅ Conclusion

Now you know how to share files between two computers on your LAN network easily. This method is perfect for local backups, gaming setups, or quick file transfers without relying on cloud storage.

Written by Computeria ITS — Practical IT tips for your everyday tech needs.

 

How to Connect a Printer via Wi-Fi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Learn how to connect any Wi-Fi printer to your home or office network in just a few minutes. This guide works for HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother printers.

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🖨️ Why Set Up a Wi-Fi Printer?

Wireless printers make life easier — no cables, no complicated setup, and the freedom to print from any device on your network. Whether you're using a laptop, smartphone, or tablet, Wi-Fi printing lets you print from anywhere in your home or office.

Step 1: Prepare the Printer

• Plug in your printer and power it on.
• On the printer’s display, open Network Settings or Wireless Setup Wizard.
• Select Wi-Fi Setup Mode (names vary by brand).

Step 2: Connect to Your Wi-Fi Network

Choose your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and enter your Wi-Fi password carefully. Wait until the printer confirms the connection.

Step 3: Add the Printer on Your Computer

For Windows:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth & Devices → Printers & Scanners.
2. Click Add Device and wait for your printer to appear.
3. Select it and click Add.

For macOS:

1. Open System Settings → Printers & Scanners.
2. Click the + sign to add a new printer.

Step 4: Print a Test Page

Once the printer is added successfully, print a test page to ensure everything is working properly.

💡 Bonus Tip: Mobile Printing

Install the official app for your printer brand:

• HP: HP Smart
• Canon: Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY
• Epson: Epson iPrint
• Brother: iPrint&Scan

These apps allow direct printing from Android or iOS devices over Wi-Fi.

✅ Conclusion

Setting up a Wi-Fi printer takes just a few minutes, and once done, you’ll enjoy cable-free printing from all your devices. If your printer won’t connect, make sure both the printer and the computer are on the same Wi-Fi network — and restart your router if necessary.

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Author: Computeria ITS – Smart Tech Tips & DIY Solutions

Tags: printer, Wi-Fi, setup, tutorial, computer networking

See also:

How to Protect Your Home Wi-Fi Network from Unwanted Users