boost your wireless signal with a homemade wifi extender

BOOST YOUR WIRELESS SIGNAL WITH A HOMEMADE WIFI EXTENDER HOW TO
BOOST YOUR WIRELESS SIGNAL WITH A HOMEMADE WIFI EXTENDER INSTALL
BOOST YOUR WIRELESS SIGNAL WITH A HOMEMADE WIFI EXTENDER UPDATE

If your old router doesn’t have the ability to act as a WiFi repeater or extender, you aren’t completely out of options. Modify the Old Router With Custom Firmware

If the old router is a budget model, it may not have the ability at all. It varies and, most importantly, this type of wireless extension functionality isn’t that common.

Some routers might ask for the MAC address of the primary router or other more technical info. The correct option will include a section where you can choose the SSID of the primary router and enter its password. The only way to be sure is either to try each option or consult the manual for a description of the feature in question. Alternatively, they can have two different names for the same function. Two routers can have the same name for a feature, but only one actually works as a way to extend another router. Again, router manufacturers play fast and loose with the names for this feature. If a wireless connection is the only route forward, then check the documentation for your older router (or rummage around the menus) and look for a wireless bridge, extender or repeater mode. Of course, powerline adapters are much more expensive than Ethernet, but could still be cheaper than buying a whole router or a WiFi extender. This turns your home’s copper power wiring into Ethernet transmission cable and you can use this to connect the old router as an access point. However, first consider the option of purchasing a powerline Ethernet adapter kit. If using an Ethernet cable between the two routers isn’t possible, then you can also use a wireless bridge connection between the two routers. Connect Your Routers in Wireless Bridge Mode So if you want to log into the old router’s web interface, you’ll have to check the connected device list on the primary router’s web interface first and then type that address into your browser. Just keep in mind that the IP address of the old router is now assigned by the primary router. Any devices that connect to the old router will have its data passed to the primary router at high speed. Instead, it acts as a network client device. When your old router goes into AP mode, it stops acting like a router. It’s usually called “ AP mode” or something similar.

BOOST YOUR WIRELESS SIGNAL WITH A HOMEMADE WIFI EXTENDER HOW TO

Refer to that router’s manual to see exactly how to do this. The old router now has to be configured as an access point. The physical part of the connection is done. This is where you would usually have connected your internet cable. Then, connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the old router’s WAN port.

BOOST YOUR WIRELESS SIGNAL WITH A HOMEMADE WIFI EXTENDER INSTALL

Before you permanently install the cable, test whether the connection is working.Ĭonnect one end of the Ethernet cable to any of the regular Ethernet ports on the main router. Once it’s done, you’re good for the long run and it really is worth the minor amount of effort. Luckily Ethernet cable is inexpensive and with a few basic tools you can neatly wire the two points up. The only real problem here is that you have to run a length of Ethernet cable between the two points. This will offer the best performance possible and is the easiest to configure. The simplest and most effective way to extend your WiFi network with a second router is to use an Ethernet cable between the two devices.

BOOST YOUR WIRELESS SIGNAL WITH A HOMEMADE WIFI EXTENDER UPDATE

If at all possible, you should also update the firmware on both routers to the latest version and reset the secondary router to factory default settings.

Boost your wireless signal with a homemade wifi extender