Repurpose Your Old Router for Better Wi-Fi and More

An old router can be repurposed for home networking projects instead of being discarded, offering practical solutions like extending Wi-Fi coverage. This approach can save money and reduce electronic waste. The router can be converted into a secondary Wi-Fi access point by connecting it via Ethernet to the main router and adjusting settings, including changing its IP address and disabling DHCP. It can also serve as a WireGuard VPN server if it supports custom firmware like OpenWrt, enabling secure remote access to the home network. Additionally, routers with a USB port can function as basic network-attached storage for file sharing, though speeds may be limited by older hardware. These projects require technical configuration but provide cost-effective alternatives to buying new equipment.