Revive Your Old Router: How to Use It as a Network Switch
Have an old router gathering dust in a drawer? Don’t throw it away! You can repurpose it as a network switch, effectively expanding the number of wired devices you can connect to your network. This is a fantastic way to avoid buying a new switch, especially if you only need a few extra ports. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, covering everything from initial preparation to troubleshooting common issues.
Why Use an Old Router as a Switch?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s consider the benefits of this approach:
* **Cost-Effective:** It’s free! You’re utilizing hardware you already own, saving you money on purchasing a dedicated switch.
* **Extends Network Connectivity:** Connect more wired devices like computers, printers, gaming consoles, smart TVs, and more.
* **Reduces Cable Clutter:** Centralize your wired connections in one location.
* **Environmentally Friendly:** Reusing electronics reduces e-waste.
* **Simple Setup:** With this guide, the process is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced networking knowledge.
What You’ll Need
* **The Old Router:** Any router will generally work, but ideally, it should be a gigabit router for optimal performance. Check the router’s specifications to confirm its speed capabilities.
* **An Ethernet Cable:** To connect the old router to your main router.
* **A Computer:** To access the old router’s configuration settings.
* **Power Adapter:** The power adapter for the old router, of course.
Step-by-Step Guide: Turning Your Old Router into a Switch
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:
Step 1: Gather Information About Your Main Router
Before you start configuring the old router, you need some information about your primary (main) router. This information is crucial for setting up the old router as a seamless extension of your existing network.
* **IP Address of Your Main Router:** This is the address you use to access your main router’s settings (e.g., 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or 10.0.1.1). You can usually find this information on your main router itself (often printed on a sticker) or through your computer’s network settings. On Windows, open Command Prompt and type `ipconfig`. Look for “Default Gateway”. On macOS, open Terminal and type `netstat -nr | grep default`. The IP address next to “default” is your router’s IP address.
* **Subnet Mask of Your Main Router:** The subnet mask defines the range of IP addresses within your network (e.g., 255.255.255.0). This is usually the same for all devices on your home network and is often 255.255.255.0. You can find this information using the same methods described above for finding the IP address.
* **DHCP Server Range (Optional but Recommended):** This is the range of IP addresses that your main router automatically assigns to devices connecting to your network (e.g., 192.168.1.100 to 192.168.1.200). Knowing this range will help you avoid IP address conflicts when configuring the old router. You can usually find this information in your main router’s settings under the “DHCP Server” or similar section. The specific location varies depending on your router’s manufacturer and model.
Step 2: Reset the Old Router to Factory Settings
This is a crucial step. Resetting the router ensures that you’re starting with a clean slate and avoids any conflicts with its previous configuration. Almost all routers have a reset button, typically located on the back or bottom of the device.
1. **Locate the Reset Button:** It’s usually a small, recessed button that requires a paperclip or similar tool to press.
2. **Press and Hold the Reset Button:** With the router powered on, use a paperclip to press and hold the reset button for about 10-15 seconds. Watch for the router’s lights to blink or change, indicating that the reset process has started.
3. **Release the Reset Button:** After 10-15 seconds, release the reset button and wait for the router to reboot. This may take a few minutes.
After the reset, the router will be back to its factory default settings, including its default IP address, username, and password. You’ll need this information to access the router’s configuration page. This information is usually printed on a sticker on the router itself or in the router’s manual (which you can often find online by searching for the router’s model number).
Step 3: Configure the Old Router
Now comes the core of the process: configuring the old router to act as a switch. This involves disabling DHCP, changing the router’s IP address, and disabling the wireless functionality (if desired).
1. **Connect to the Old Router:** Use an Ethernet cable to connect your computer directly to one of the LAN ports (not the WAN/Internet port) on the old router. This ensures a direct connection for configuration purposes. Make sure your computer is set to obtain an IP address automatically (DHCP). In Windows, go to Network and Sharing Center, click on your Ethernet connection, then Properties, select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)”, click Properties again, and ensure both “Obtain an IP address automatically” and “Obtain DNS server address automatically” are selected. On macOS, go to System Preferences, Network, select your Ethernet connection, click Advanced, then TCP/IP, and make sure “Configure IPv4” is set to “Using DHCP”.
2. **Access the Router’s Configuration Page:** Open a web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) and enter the old router’s default IP address in the address bar. The default IP address is usually something like 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or 10.0.1.1. If you’re unsure, consult the router’s documentation or look for the sticker on the router itself.
3. **Log In:** You’ll be prompted to enter a username and password. Use the default credentials. Again, this information is usually found on a sticker on the router or in the manual. Common default usernames are “admin” or leaving it blank, and common default passwords are “admin”, “password”, or leaving it blank.
4. **Disable DHCP Server:** This is the most crucial step. Disabling the DHCP server prevents the old router from assigning IP addresses to devices on your network, which could conflict with the main router’s DHCP server. Navigate to the “DHCP Server” or similar section in the router’s settings (the exact location varies depending on the router’s manufacturer and model). Look for an option to “Disable DHCP Server” or “DHCP Server Status” and disable it. Save the changes. Some routers require a reboot after disabling DHCP.
5. **Change the Router’s IP Address:** You need to assign the old router a static IP address within the same subnet as your main router but *outside* of your main router’s DHCP server range. This prevents IP address conflicts. Navigate to the “LAN Settings” or similar section in the router’s settings. Look for an option to change the router’s IP address. Here’s how to determine the appropriate IP address:
* **Same Subnet:** The first three numbers of the IP address must be the same as your main router’s IP address (e.g., if your main router’s IP address is 192.168.1.1, the old router’s IP address should start with 192.168.1).
* **Outside DHCP Range:** Choose an IP address that is *not* within the DHCP server range of your main router. For example, if your main router’s DHCP range is 192.168.1.100 to 192.168.1.200, you could assign the old router the IP address 192.168.1.2. You should also avoid assigning an IP address that is already assigned to another device on your network. A good practice is to choose an IP address below the DHCP range, usually something ending in .2 to .9.
* **Example:** If your main router’s IP address is 192.168.0.1 and its DHCP range is 192.168.0.100 to 192.168.0.200, you could assign the old router the IP address 192.168.0.2.
* **Subnet Mask:** Ensure the subnet mask is the same as your main router’s subnet mask (usually 255.255.255.0).
* **Gateway:** Leave the Gateway field empty. The gateway is only needed for devices acting as routers, not as switches.
6. **Disable Wireless (Optional but Recommended):** If you don’t need the wireless functionality of the old router, it’s best to disable it to avoid interference and improve network security. Navigate to the “Wireless Settings” or similar section in the router’s settings. Look for an option to “Disable Wireless” or “Wireless Radio” and disable it. Save the changes. You might be prompted to reboot the router after disabling the wireless. Keeping the wireless radio active also consumes power unnecessarily.
7. **Save and Reboot:** After making all the necessary changes, save the settings and reboot the old router. This ensures that the changes are applied correctly.
Step 4: Connect the Old Router to Your Main Router
Now that the old router is configured, it’s time to connect it to your main router.
1. **Use an Ethernet Cable:** Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to one of the LAN ports (not the WAN/Internet port) on the *old* router. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to one of the LAN ports on your *main* router. This creates the connection that allows the old router to act as a switch, extending your network.
2. **Placement:** Place the old router in a location where you need additional wired connections. Make sure it’s within reach of a power outlet.
Step 5: Test the Connection
After connecting the old router, it’s essential to test the connection to ensure that it’s working correctly.
1. **Connect a Device:** Connect a device (e.g., a computer, gaming console, smart TV) to one of the remaining LAN ports on the *old* router.
2. **Check Internet Connectivity:** Verify that the device can access the internet. If it can, the old router is functioning as a switch successfully.
3. **Ping Test (Optional):** Open a Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS) and ping the IP address of your main router. A successful ping indicates that the device connected to the old router can communicate with your main router.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful planning, you might encounter some issues during the setup process. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
* **Cannot Access the Old Router’s Configuration Page:**
* **Incorrect IP Address:** Double-check that you’re using the correct default IP address for the old router. Consult the router’s documentation or look for the sticker on the router itself.
* **IP Address Conflict:** Ensure that your computer is obtaining an IP address automatically (DHCP). If you’ve manually assigned an IP address to your computer, make sure it’s in the same subnet as the old router and not conflicting with another device.
* **Firewall:** Temporarily disable your computer’s firewall to see if it’s blocking access to the router’s configuration page. Remember to re-enable the firewall after troubleshooting.
* **Incorrect Ethernet Cable:** Make sure you are using the LAN ports on both the old router and your computer, and not the WAN port.
* **No Internet Connectivity on Devices Connected to the Old Router:**
* **DHCP Server Not Disabled:** Verify that you’ve disabled the DHCP server on the old router. This is the most common cause of this issue.
* **Incorrect IP Address Assignment:** Ensure that the old router’s IP address is in the same subnet as your main router but outside of your main router’s DHCP server range.
* **Faulty Ethernet Cable:** Try using a different Ethernet cable to connect the old router to your main router.
* **Main Router Issues:** Make sure your main router is working correctly and providing internet connectivity to other devices on your network.
* **IP Address Conflicts:**
* **Static IP Address Conflicts:** Ensure that the static IP address you assigned to the old router is not already in use by another device on your network. Use an IP scanner tool to check for IP address conflicts.
* **DHCP Range Overlap:** Ensure that the old router’s static IP address is outside of your main router’s DHCP server range.
* **Slow Internet Speeds:**
* **Router Capabilities:** The old router’s speed capabilities might be limited. If it’s an older router, it might not support gigabit speeds. Consider upgrading to a newer router or a dedicated switch if you need faster speeds.
* **Ethernet Cable Quality:** Use high-quality Ethernet cables (Cat5e or Cat6) to ensure optimal performance.
* **Network Congestion:** Too many devices using the network simultaneously can cause slow speeds. Try disconnecting some devices to see if it improves performance.
* **Wireless Interference (If Wireless Is Enabled):**
* **Channel Conflicts:** If you’ve left the wireless functionality enabled on the old router, it might be interfering with your main router’s wireless network. Try changing the wireless channel on either the old router or your main router to avoid interference.
* **Disable Wireless:** The best solution is to simply disable the wireless functionality on the old router if you don’t need it.
Advanced Configurations (Optional)
While the basic setup described above is sufficient for most users, you can explore some advanced configurations to further customize your network.
* **VLANs (Virtual LANs):** VLANs allow you to segment your network into different logical groups. This can be useful for isolating sensitive devices or prioritizing network traffic.
* **Quality of Service (QoS):** QoS allows you to prioritize certain types of network traffic, such as video streaming or online gaming, to ensure a smoother experience.
* **Firmware Updates:** Keep the firmware on your old router up to date to ensure optimal performance and security. Check the router manufacturer’s website for the latest firmware updates.
However, configuring VLANs and QoS settings can be complex and require advanced networking knowledge. Refer to your router’s documentation or consult online resources for detailed instructions.
Alternatives to Using an Old Router
While repurposing an old router is a great way to save money, there are some alternatives to consider, especially if you need more ports or advanced features:
* **Dedicated Network Switch:** A dedicated network switch is specifically designed for expanding network connectivity. It offers better performance, reliability, and features than using an old router as a switch. Switches come in various port configurations (e.g., 5-port, 8-port, 16-port) and speeds (e.g., 10/100 Mbps, Gigabit). You can find affordable switches online or at electronics stores.
* **Mesh Wi-Fi System:** A mesh Wi-Fi system can extend your wireless network coverage throughout your home. Some mesh systems also include Ethernet ports on the satellite units, providing both wireless and wired connectivity.
Conclusion
Turning your old router into a network switch is a practical and cost-effective way to expand your wired network connectivity. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily repurpose your old router and avoid the expense of purchasing a new switch. Remember to carefully follow the instructions, pay attention to detail, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. With a little effort, you can breathe new life into your old router and enhance your home network. Remember to always prioritize security and keep your network devices up to date with the latest firmware.