Can You Use an Old Wi-Fi Router as an Access Point Only?

Introduction

With the rapid evolution of networking technology, it's not uncommon for older devices to find a new purpose in smaller networks. One such scenario involves repurposing an old Wi-Fi router as an access point (AP) without utilizing its routing capabilities. This guide will walk you through the process and explain how it can be accomplished.

Objective Clarification

It’s important to clarify what you are aiming to achieve. Generally, if you have a secondary router that needs to be used as a dedicated AP, the steps below will guide you through the process. This is especially useful when you want to extend your network coverage or add more wireless access points without involving the complex routing functionalities of the old router.

Repurposing the Old Wi-Fi Router as an Access Point

Assuming you have another router that provides internet access, and you want it to serve as a secondary wireless AP, the process can be quite straightforward. Follow these steps:

1. Wi-Fi Configuration

First, configure the new router with the desired wireless settings, including:

SSID - The name of the wireless network. WPA2 Key - The password for your wireless network, ensuring a secure connection. Wi-Fi band and channel - Choose the appropriate band (2.4GHz or 5GHz) and channel to minimize interference.

2. Network Configuration

To ensure proper operation, set the following network parameters on the new AP router:

LAN IP Address: Assign it a different IP address from the primary router. For example, use 192.168.2.1 instead of 192.168.1.1 which is commonly assigned to the primary router. Subnet Mask: Set it to 255.255.255.0 for a /24 network. DHCP Server: Disable DHCP to prevent it from providing IP addresses to devices on the network, as you want this router to serve only as an access point.

3. Connection Setup

Connect the network: Disconnect the WAN port of the old router and connect it to the LAN port of the primary router using an Ethernet cable. Alternatively, you can use a powerline adapter bridge if wired connectivity is not feasible.

Additional Considerations

1. **Compatible Mode**: Ensure that the old router has an option to operate in AP-only mode. Many modern routers provide this feature, allowing you to use the router solely as an access point.

2. **Automatic Configuration Settings**: Most routers can automatically configure two crucial settings:

WAN IP Address: Make sure it is set to receive an IP address from the primary router. This can usually be done automatically with DHCP. Default Gateway: Set it to the LAN IP address of the primary router. This ensures that devices connected to the new router can route traffic to the internet through the primary router.

Conclusion

Repurposing an old Wi-Fi router as an access point can be a cost-effective solution for extending your network or adding more wireless coverage without the need for routing functionality. Follow the steps outlined to configure your old router correctly and ensure that it operates seamlessly within your existing network infrastructure.

By implementing these steps, you can enhance your network without the complexity of traditional router setups, making it an ideal solution for small to medium-sized networks.