Dial-up connections and dedicated ADSL lines for Internet access have long since sunk into oblivion. Many people from the younger generation don’t even know what a dial-up modem is, but many older people still have strange boxes that are like a suitcase without an arm: it’s a shame to throw it away and too much to carry. Many enthusiasts find use for outdated modem models, and in this article we’ll try to figure it out what can be done from an old modem.
The first thing that comes to mind is to simply create a universal box for storing all small things or tools. You don't need a lot of intelligence here. It is enough to remove all the internals from the external modem and remove one of the walls. All external modems are designed for wall mounting, which is quite practical. But this is not all that can be done.
With proper dexterity and appropriate knowledge, you can find a use for almost its intended purpose, but there are many limitations in terms of hardware: what chip is installed, is it possible to reassign ports, the presence of a USB port, is there a built-in WiFi adapter, and much more.
Using built-in dial-up modems
As a rule, external and internal PCI or ISA modems with Dial-Up operating mode can only be used as an answering machine, and then only if there is a built-in voice communication function. It's not difficult to do this. You just need to download a program from the Internet that performs the functions of a telephone. There are a huge number of such programs, and they perform the following functions:
- the ability to make incoming or outgoing calls through the telephone network using a headset (headphones and microphone) connected to a computer;
- can receive and send faxes;
- It is possible to record a telephone conversation;
- using the automatic dialing function allows you to transmit previously recorded voice information to many subscribers;
- built-in autoresponder function.
Having two such modems, you can of course create a peer-to-peer network between two computers, but the connection speed will not meet modern needs. And the distance at which it will work cannot exceed 50-60 meters. It is more convenient to use a long twisted pair cable.
External ADSL modems and routers
With external modems things are much more fun. They often have many more built-in features to use. All modems of the latest versions have a built-in web server, which is used to edit the configuration, so there is no difference in configuration between such a modem and Ethernet.
Almost all ADSL modems have the ability to reassign ports. Of the 4 built-in LAN ports, one must be configured to work with the Internet provider, i.e. make it WAN. The remaining ports can be used to connect computers or other network devices, such as a network printer. If this modem is a router with a WiFi adapter, then it will still work in full-fledged access point mode.
It is worth noting that some necessary functions may not be available on standard firmware, but there are communities of enthusiasts developing alternative firmware options and making them publicly available. Simply enter your existing modem model into the search bar and download the firmware on an open platform.
Another option for using an old modem is to turn it into a server. You can read about this in the article “How to make a server from a router”. A special advantage will be if it is possible to connect an external USB, then the server’s capabilities will be significantly expanded.
USB modems, which are used to access the Internet through a mobile operator’s network, also sometimes become obsolete. Operator communication standards, coverage areas, etc. are changing. However, you should not immediately throw away such modems. If you don’t want to redo or configure anything, then such a modem can be used very well as a “flash drive”: each of the modems has support for microSD cards.
If you want to tinker, you can configure such a modem as a WiFi access point, but for this you need, for example, for the Yota Egg modem, to connect and bring out an external Wi-Fi antenna. Quite a lot of material has been written on the Internet about how this is done.
The purpose of the article was not to provide clear instructions on how, and what can be done from a modem, which is just collecting dust on the shelf. I tried to simply collect information from forums where interesting ideas are posted and summarize it.
In this article, we will tell you how to turn an old router into a new access point to easily expand the wifi coverage of your home or office.
Nowadays, the vast majority of apartments have an Internet connection. Sometimes, due to the non-standard layout, the wireless network does not reach everywhere in the house, even with ordinary walls. There are many solutions to finally create a stable WiFi connection in every corner of the house: signal amplifier, repeater (repeater), etc. But they all require financial investments for purchase, which do not always provide the expected result and solution to the problem.
Now we will show you a completely free alternative with which you can get a good signal in all those places in the house where the signal fades or has poor connection quality.
I think many of you, or your friends, have recently updated their router model. An old router that is no longer in use can be used as a second WiFi access point in your home or office to get a signal in every corner of the room.
The first thing we have to do is find the location where we want to place this second access point so that its signal can reach places where the current router cannot reach.
After this, we will need to install the router and connect it to an outlet. After turning on the router correctly (approximately 2 minutes), you need to connect the cable to the LAN port to the computer to configure it as an access point.
Enter IP 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in the address bar of your computer browser, enter your name and password. Set up a Wifi network and its security. Unplug the cable and connect to this router wirelessly, even though we won't have Internet access at the moment.
As soon as we gain access to the router configuration without a cable connection, we need to open the server settings and disable it. Next, its work will be performed by the main router.
Now everything is ready to connect with the main router's Ethernet cable to the old one. You just need to connect these 2 routers using an Ethernet cable. In the main router - to the LAN port, and in the old router - to the WAN port. Reboot both routers to allow the DHCP server to issue IP addresses to the connected equipment.
A modern router is usually not just a router; it combines several devices. It can perform different tasks, one of which we will talk about in this article. There is such a device as a Wi-Fi receiver or adapter. Its task is to receive a Wi-Fi signal, in other words, to connect a specific device to a Wi-Fi network. Such adapters are built into laptops, tablets, smartphones, TVs, etc.
There are also external adapters, for example for desktop computers (I wrote about them in the article) or for televisions. But what if we need to connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi the same desktop computer or TV that does not have a built-in Wi-Fi receiver. And we also don’t have an external one. We don’t want to buy it, or there’s simply no such opportunity.
In such a situation, a regular router can help us out; it can act as a Wi-Fi network receiver. That is, it will receive the Internet via Wi-Fi from our wireless network and transmit it to the device (TV, computer) via network cable.
It should be immediately noted that there are routers that have a separate “Adapter” operating mode. But in most devices, you will need to configure the repeater, bridge (WDS), client, or wireless connection to the provider.
Now we will take a closer look at these modes on routers from different manufacturers, and find out how to use the router as a wireless network receiver. Let's consider the most popular manufacturers: TP-LINK, ASUS, ZyXEL, D-Link, Netis. Look for the heading below for information about your device.
Making a Wi-Fi receiver from a ZyXEL router
I decided to start with ZyXEL devices. From the line of ZyXEL Keenetic routers. This company's routers support a variety of operating modes. And there is also an “Adapter” mode. On devices with the new firmware version NDMS V2, which is blue in appearance.
In addition, everything is set up very simply and clearly. And everything works. I have already checked all operating modes of the ZyXEL router (using the example of the Keenetic Start model), and of course prepared detailed instructions. Just place the router near your computer or TV, connect them via a network cable, set the “Adapter” mode, and you’re done.
If you suddenly do not have such an operating mode, then you can (wireless connection to provider). By the way, this method can be used on older versions of devices.
Media Bridge Mode
Only in the process of writing this article, on the more expensive Asus RT-N18U model, I discovered the Media Bridge operating mode, which suits us much better than the amplifier mode (even if you look at the operation diagram in the control panel).
But the Asus RT-N12+ does not have this operating mode. Which is logical in principle, since it is not very suitable for serious multimedia tasks. In the near future I will prepare separate instructions for setting up the Media Bridge mode. I'll check everything and write how it fits or not.
Wi-Fi receiver from TP-LINK router
Especially, people often ask how to convert such popular models as TP-LINK TL-WR740N, TL-WR841N, etc. into a receiver.
On such devices you will have to use bridge mode, also known as WDS.
Since in repeater mode, these routers do not work (I wrote about this). I just can’t say anything about the new routers from TP-LINK yet. Perhaps there is already support for different operating modes. I know that only access points from TP-LINK can work in repeater mode. And as far as I know there is no adapter mode.
There are also separate instructions for setting up WDS mode on TP-LINK:
I can say with confidence that in bridge mode the Internet from a TP-LINK router via a network cable works. There were many questions about this, I asked TP-LINK support, everything works. You just need to disable DHCP. The article linked above has all the information you need.
D-Link router as a receiver
I can’t give an exact answer for all models of D-Link routers, but based on my own experience, I can say that to use these routers as an adapter, they can be configured in wireless client mode. Tested on DIR-615, DIR-300.
It must be admitted that this mode of operation of the D-Link router is excellent for distributing the Internet via cable. In addition, it is possible to disable the wireless network, which is very useful.
For more detailed instructions on setting up client mode on D-Link devices, see here:. See after the heading "Connecting a D-Link router to another router via Wi-Fi (client mode)". Everything is described there in detail. Perhaps I will prepare a separate instruction later.
Adapter (client) mode on Netis routers
If you have a Netis router and want to use it to connect devices to the Internet via a network cable, then it is best to configure it in “Client” mode. You can also use it without any problems. I checked, everything works.
Setting up a router in "Client" mode
Everything is very simple. In the settings, which can be accessed at netis.cc go to advanced settings by clicking on the big button Advanced and immediately go to the “Wireless Mode” – “Wi-Fi Settings” tab. Select "Client" from the Radio Mode drop-down menu. Click on the "AP Scan" button.
A list of available networks will appear that you can connect to. Opposite your network, select the "Connect." switch. Click on the "Connect" button.
Then set a password for the main Wi-Fi network, and click on the “Save” button.
After these steps, my router rebooted, and the Internet immediately started working via cable.
Important point: In client mode, the Netis router does not broadcast the Wi-Fi network, which is very good. If you need internet via cable and Wi-Fi, then configure it in repeater mode (link to instructions is above).
Afterword
Later I will try to add information on other manufacturers: Tenda, Linksys, etc.
Almost any router can be turned into a receiver. Many people, I think, have an old router that is just gathering dust on a shelf and just takes up space. And it may still come in handy. And replace the adapter for a desktop computer, TV, game console and other devices. So as not to pull the network cable through the entire house.
Few people bother studying the capabilities of their Wi-Fi router. There is Internet, and that's fine. In fact, a good Wi-Fi router can do a lot of cool things. And to use all the features, you don’t need to have special knowledge, download alternative firmware and study hundreds of pages on forums. Let's show you how it worksusing the example of a router, which can be bought for 2,500–2,700 rubles.
1. Connect your network to your neighbor's Wi-Fi. Or anyone else
Let’s say a signal from a nearby cafe reaches you. Or a neighbor, out of the kindness of his heart, gave you the password for his Wi-Fi. Instead of connecting to the network from a smartphone, tablet or computer, connect to it through a router, and then use the free Internet from the router. This function is called "" (WISP), and it has several advantages:
- Better signal. If on a smartphone a wireless network shows one or two bars and works somehow, then from a router the same network will give its full speed, and the connection will be much more stable.
- Safely. You never know how security will fare on an unfamiliar Wi-Fi network. By connecting to someone else's Wi-Fi through a router, you are protected by the security measures built into it and do not expose your devices and their contents to someone else's network.
- Backup Internet that connects automatically. If something suddenly breaks down with your main provider, the router will automatically switch to the backup channel, and you most likely won’t even notice it and will be able to continue using the Internet.
- Backup Internet from a smartphone. Often, when there are problems with the Internet, we use our smartphone as an access point. The signal from it is weak and hits close. Create an access point on your smartphone, connect to your router as a “wireless provider”, and you will get a good, stable connection on all your devices.
2. Use multiple providers on one router
This feature is called Multi WAN. It allows you to connect as many providers as there are ports on your router, and additionally add a USB modem.
Let's say you have Internet access from two providers at once. One is the main one, the second is a reserve one with the cheapest tariff. This is a good practice that allows you to stay online even if something happens to your main provider.
In order not to swap cables every time, not to reconfigure the router or computer, and not to do other time-consuming and energy-consuming things, just connect both cables to the router. The main port goes to the standard port (usually a different color), and the backup port goes to any other port. Configure the router once, and in the future everything will work and switch automatically.
3. Distribute the Internet from a USB modem through a router
This is possible if the router has a USB port, and you have a USB modem from a cellular operator, with which you can access the Internet from a laptop from anywhere.
Connect the modem to the router's USB port and perform a quick setup using. Now you have a backup mobile Internet that will turn on automatically if problems arise with the main provider.
This life hack will allow you to use a Wi-Fi network not only at the dacha, where there is no landline Internet, but also while traveling. You can find an adapter on the Internet to power the router from the cigarette lighter in your car. Connect a USB modem to the router, and all your passengers will be able to use the Internet while traveling - provided, of course, there is a cellular network signal.
If you have an external hard drive, connect it to the router via USB.
Activate the ability to download torrents in the router settings.
You can launch and manage downloads remotely through the My.Keenetic Android app.
Downloading and distributing torrents through a router occurs without the participation of a computer. By default, download and upload speeds are set so as not to clog the entire channel. You can change the speed in the settings. You won’t get more than 5 MB/s from the budget Keenetic Omni, but the Internet will not slow down when downloading.
The router can not only download, but also broadcast video to a TV via DLNA, and in the torrent settings you can select sequential torrent downloading to start watching a movie before the download is complete.
5. Access your router and home devices from anywhere
A free proprietary service, KeenDNS, is available to all “kineticists”, replacing any other DDNS services (such as No-IP and DynDNS) in a situation where you have a white but dynamic IP address.
But what if the address is gray, as, for example, with almost all cellular operators for the connection described above via a USB modem or a backup one?
KeenDNS solves this problem:
- It allows you to connect to the router even with a gray address using a convenient name like home.keenetic.link without the hassle of obtaining and registering an SSL certificate;
- Provides access behind the gray address not only to the router, but also to the devices connected to it (for example, a heating boiler control system or the already mentioned torrent downloader) by a convenient name like device.home.keenetic.link.
- Connects to your home network via a pervasive SSTP tunnel that's easy to set up on Windows or an Android app.
6. Create Time Machine backups
Apple has stopped producing its routers, but the need to backup the MacBook has not gone away.
Enable Time Machine backup in your router settings. You will again need an external hard drive - now it will also become a backup storage. Moreover, it is not at all necessary to format it into the apple file system HFS+, because the router can make backups on an NTFS disk.
If you need high backup speed, Keenetic Omni may not be able to handle it. Look towards the top-end routers Keenetic Giga or Ultra.
7. Control your flash drive from your smartphone without an OTG cable
This function will allow you to record or view files if you don’t have a computer at hand, and your smartphone does not support OTG, or the OTG cable has disappeared somewhere.
Connect the flash drive to the router and launch a file manager like ES Explorer on your smartphone that supports network access. You will have full access to the contents of the flash drive, regardless of its file system.
8. Turn your router into a telephone exchange. Or something else
You can plug not only a modem or disk into the router’s USB port, but also a branded DECT set-top box. With it, your router will work as a wireless telephone exchange with support for up to 6 handsets. Everything necessary for this can be done without special knowledge.
Support for third-party software packages () in the official firmware turns the router into a real Swiss Army knife with a bunch of bells and whistles. You can install the rTorrent torrent client, an Asterisk IP-PBX telephone exchange, another DLNA server, and much more into the router. In routers Keenetic, the main firmware does not change, and you do not lose the warranty.
9. Save on VPN
Thanks to recent events on the Russian Internet, everyone now knows about VPN and its benefits.
Using a router, you can save a lot by purchasing just one license for one device from some good VPN provider, but use the service on all your devices at once.
To do this, just enable VPN not on one of the devices, but directly on the router. Now any smartphone, tablet or computer connected to the router will automatically access the Internet via VPN. If this does not suit you, go to your router settings and specify which gadgets should work through the VPN and which should not.
If you only want to use a VPN to improve your online security, you don't need overseas VPN servers, which means you don't need to pay for them. If you have a white IP, you can safely access the Internet through your own VPN while away from home. As a bonus, you'll have access to your home network and its content from anywhere in the world.
10. Make Wi-Fi faster and more stable
Most routers operate in the 2.4 GHz band. When several routers are located nearby - for example, in an apartment building - they interfere with each other. Imagine a bazaar: a bunch of people, everyone is shouting, nothing is clear. It’s the same with routers, only the quality and speed of the Internet drops.
The range is divided into several channels. For example, Vasya’s neighbor’s router works on channel 6, and Petya’s on channel 11. The router can monitor the current congestion of channels and even automatically switch to the least populated ones, but neighboring routers may also have the same function. What to do?
Create as many networks as your router allows. Give the networks different names so that your neighbors don’t figure out your cunning plan (and don’t forget to set passwords). All networks you create will be on the same channel. For any Wi-Fi analyzer, the channel will seem overloaded, and therefore it will consider it inappropriate to create a mesh in it. This means that the channel will remain entirely at your disposal.
Why can't my router do this?
Much depends on the developer of the router software. Some devices receive updates and all the newest features, while others remain on the old version. Users of the latter have to wriggle out and install custom firmware at their own risk, thereby losing the warranty on the device.
Keenetic uses a single operating system, which is constantly being improved and adds new features to all router models. 
It doesn’t matter whether you use the top-end Keenetic Giga or the budget Keenetic Lite - you will always have the latest version of the operating system with all the new features.
Naturally, hardware limitations play a role. You cannot grow a USB port on your router using a software update. A device designed only for 2.4 GHz will never learn to operate in the 5 GHz band. But if the device hardware meets the requirements for the new function to work, then you will receive it regardless of the model of your Keenetic.
It is clear that no one likes wires in the middle of the house, and if there is an option to connect all devices wirelessly, we will gladly take advantage of it. Based on this idea, wireless routers appeared, and then a whole complex of devices and networks based on them, and all this is designed to provide us with an intelligent life.
But even these days, we sometimes suffer from poor WiFi signal, especially if we have a large house with many concrete walls that interfere with the wireless signal and even create dead zones. You can solve your problem by using the old one (or buy a cheap one).
What is a wireless repeater?
(also called an extender) is a network device that captures an existing wireless signal from a primary wireless router and resends it, thereby creating a second wireless network. Wireless repeaters are used in large homes or offices to provide a reliable signal to specific areas.
And even if your house isn't that big, a repeater will come in handy in situations with a lot of interference, such as thick concrete walls or microwaves.
But there are also some disadvantages that you need to be aware of. A wireless repeater will reduce the wireless network throughput by about 50%, and this is because the transmission does not go directly from the router to the client, but through the repeater. You also need to monitor the channels you use, as you can create interference in your own network.
Another thing to think about is compatibility. For example, if you have a dual-band router and want to repeat the 5GHz signal, then you will need an extender that supports the 5GHz band. Additionally, you also have to think about security since an older router may only support WEP or WPA encryption and does not have the newer and better WPA2.
How to Use a Router as a Wireless Repeater
Switching your router to repeater mode is not that difficult, and there are two ways to do it, depending on the firmware: either the device offers repeater mode natively, or you need to install special firmware such as DD-WRT, OpenWRT or Tomato.
If your router has a built-in wireless repeater feature, follow the general instructions below.
STEP 1: Reset to factory settings.
This is important, especially if you haven't used your router for a long time and have forgotten about any changes you might have made. To avoid unwanted headaches in the future, it is better to have a router with default settings. Most routers have a special button for this that you need to hold down for a while.
STEP 2: Find and write down the MAC address of both the main router and the old one.
Typically, most manufacturers write the MAC address on a label on the bottom of the router (the MAC address should look like this: "AA:AA:AA:AA:AA:AA"). You can also find out the MAC address in the router settings, in the status tab.
STEP 3: Connect your old router to your computer and access the interface.
Use the LAN port to connect to your computer and enter the router's IP address into your browser. The default is usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. If you are not sure, you can check the IP address provided by the manufacturer on the bottom label. There you can also find the default username and password to log into the interface.
STEP 4: Find the repeater settings in the interface.
On some routers this step is simple and straightforward, while on others it can be a guessing game. It's important to check how your router manufacturer has configured your router before choosing a mode. This can be done by consulting the documentation either found online or in the physical user manual.
STEP 5: Select the correct mode.
It's quite simple, after you have found the desired section, select the wireless repeater mode.
STEP 6: Enter the MAC address of your main router.
Usually the user interface is pretty clear and it's easy to understand where you should paste the MAC address.
STEP 7: Save your settings.
And you did it! You have now successfully configured your wireless repeater.
What if your router does not support wireless repeater mode?
No need to worry because you can install special firmware that will enable this setting. For example, the TP-LINK TL-WR841N, a fairly cheap router, doesn't have this mode out of the box, but install the DD-WRT firmware and you can use this feature (and more). You can also try OpenWRT.
You need to remember that there are certain risks when installing custom firmware. First of all, if you don't install the correct version for your router, you might brick your router forever.
Additionally, if you buy a new router for the sole purpose of using it as a repeater, you may void the product's warranty. If you're ready for risks, let's get started.
STEP 1: Research and download the compatible firmware version for your router.
This is very important because, as we said, you can end up blocking your router. If you need help, the DD-WRT and OpenWRT communities are really willing to help, so feel free to visit their forums.
STEP 2: Install DD-WRT firmware on the router.
After downloading the firmware files to your computer, connect the router using the LAN port and log into the interface. Use the default username and password to access the interface and then install the new firmware.
STEP 3: Access the new interface.
Once you have installed the custom firmware, access the new interface by inserting the IP address (usually 192.168.1.1).
STEP 4: Select repeater mode and change the SSID name.
Now that you have access to the custom firmware interface, go to General Settings and select the wireless menu. Select a repeater. Then, in the Wireless Network Name (SSID) field, enter the same SSID as your main router, then click Save.
STEP 5: Select a different SSID in the Virtual Interfaces section.
After saving, go to the Virtual Interface section (at the bottom of the page) and use the ADD button and enter a different SSID. This is important because this way you can connect the client to the correct router, especially if you are closer to it.
STEP 6: Set up wireless security.
Go to Wireless -> Wireless Security and change the security settings to match those of your main router. For the physical interface, enter the required information taken from the main router (leave disabled unless there are security settings).
Then, for the virtual interface, select the same security mode (preferably WPA2) and map the security key to the one on the main router. Then click "Save".
STEP 7: Change the repeater IP address.
Go to network setup (via Setup -> Basic Setup) and change the repeater IP address to a different subnet. For example, if the main router has an IP address of 192.168.1.1, you can change the repeater IP address to 192.168.3.1. It is important to change the third number. Click "Save".
STEP 8: This is an optional step, especially if you are concerned about security.
If you have any problems, you should uncheck all the boxes in the Block WAN request (leaving only the Multicast filter) and disable the SPI firewall. Click "Save" again.
STEP 9: Apply settings.
Double check each modification you made and click Apply Settings. After rebooting, you can use the newly configured DD-WRT wireless repeater. You did it! You've successfully taken an old and/or inexpensive router and expanded your wireless network.
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