How to make a old router (Probably nearly 10 years) into a relay/bridge

Transforming an Old Router into a Networking Bridge: A Step-by-Step Guide

In today’s connected world, maintaining a reliable Wi-Fi signal across your home or office can sometimes pose challenges—particularly when dealing with older hardware. If you find yourself with a vintage router that’s nearly a decade old but still functional, you might be wondering whether it can be repurposed to extend your wireless coverage.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to convert an aging router into a wireless relay or bridge, effectively turning it into a device that amplifies your network signal, especially in areas where the main router’s coverage is weak.

Understanding the Concept: Router as a Relay or Bridge

The primary goal of this setup is to take your current primary router—let’s call it the “main router”—and use the older device as a secondary relay station. Rather than serving as a standalone Wi-Fi access point or being used as a traditional router directing traffic to the internet, this old device acts as an intermediary. It receives the wireless signal from the main router and rebroadcasts it to improve coverage, effectively expanding your wireless network.

Why Repurpose an Old Router?

• Cost-effective network extension without additional investment
• Better coverage in dead zones
• Reduced interference with the primary router’s bandwidth
• Utilization of existing hardware

Preliminary Considerations

Before proceeding, ensure your old router supports the following:

• Operating in Access Point (AP), Client, or Bridge mode
• Firmware that allows for custom configurations (e.g., DD-WRT, OpenWrt, or Tomato)
• Ability to connect via Ethernet for wired bridging (recommended but not always necessary)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Assess Compatibility and Firmware Support

First, determine your router model and verify whether it’s compatible with third-party firmware like DD-WRT, OpenWrt, or Tomato. These firmware distributions unlock advanced features such as wireless bridging and repeater modes.

• Visit the firmware provider’s website to confirm compatibility.

• Follow their instructions for installation, bearing in mind that flashing firmware carries risks and should be done carefully.

• Install Custom Firmware

If your router supports it:

• Download the appropriate firmware version.
• Follow the manufacturer’s or firmware community’s flashing instructions.

• After installation, perform a factory reset.

• Configure the Old Router as a Wireless Bridge or Repeater

Once the firmware is installed:

• Access the router’s admin interface.
• Navigate to the wireless settings.
• Set the router to operate