Reuse Old Wi-Fi Router as Network Switch - Guide
Repurposing an Old Wi-Fi Router
The replacement of an existing Wi-Fi router with a more modern version doesn't necessitate the discarding of the older unit. Instead, it can be effectively repurposed.
This guide details how to transform an outdated and less powerful Wi-Fi router into a functional network switch, potentially saving you around $20 in purchasing costs.
Transforming Your Router into a Switch
An older Wi-Fi router can be given new life as a network switch. This is a cost-effective alternative to buying a dedicated device.
The process involves disabling the router's wireless functionality and configuring it to operate solely as a wired connection point.
Benefits of Repurposing
- Cost Savings: Avoid the expense of purchasing a new network switch.
- Reduced Waste: Give new utility to existing hardware, minimizing electronic waste.
- Network Expansion: Increase the number of available wired ports on your network.
By following these steps, an unused Wi-Fi router can become a valuable component of your home or office network.
Image by mmgallan.
The Continued Relevance of Older Routers
Over the past decade, Wi-Fi technology has undergone substantial advancements. However, Ethernet networking has remained largely consistent. Consequently, a Wi-Fi router built with technology from around 2006 may be outdated in terms of its wireless capabilities.
Despite this, the Ethernet component within the device retains its functionality. It remains as effective as ever, with the primary potential limitation being a speed of 100Mbps instead of 1000Mbps – a difference that is inconsequential for the vast majority of home network setups.
Understanding Network Hardware is crucial for making informed decisions about your home network. This realization has significant implications for consumers.
Even if an older router is no longer adequate for Wi-Fi demands, it can still function as a reliable and high-quality network switch. A network switch becomes necessary whenever you need to distribute a single Ethernet connection to multiple devices.
Consider a scenario where you have only one Ethernet port available behind your entertainment center. Yet, you need to connect four devices – a smart HDTV, a DVR, a gaming console (like an Xbox), and a Raspberry Pi used as a media center – to your local network via wired connections.
Rather than purchasing a new switch for $20-$30, repurposing your old Wi-Fi router as a network switch presents a cost-effective and environmentally responsible solution. This involves adjusting the router’s settings to disable its Wi-Fi and routing functions.
This repurposed router can then be conveniently placed near your entertainment center, providing Ethernet connectivity for your DVR, Xbox, and media center computer, all sharing the same connection.
Essential Requirements
This guide will detail the process of repurposing an old Wi-Fi router. The necessary components are likely already available to you, or can be obtained without cost. To complete the fundamental steps of this tutorial, you will require:
- A Wi-Fi router equipped with Ethernet ports
- A computer featuring an Ethernet port
- One Ethernet cable
For the more advanced section of this guide, all of the above will be needed, in addition to:
- A copy of DD-WRT firmware compatible with your Wi-Fi router
Our demonstration utilizes a Linksys WRT54GL Wi-Fi router. The WRT54 series represents a historically popular line of Wi-Fi routers, and many users may still possess one or more units. However, the principles discussed here are broadly applicable to all Wi-Fi routers, provided their administration interface permits the required adjustments.
Before we proceed, let's clarify the distinction between the basic and advanced approaches. A standard Wi-Fi router typically features five Ethernet ports: one designated "Internet," "WAN," or similar, intended for connection to a DSL/Cable modem, and four labeled 1-4 for direct connection of Ethernet-enabled devices.
Transforming a Wi-Fi router into a switch generally results in the loss of two ports. The "Internet" port cannot function as a standard switch port, and one of the switch ports is repurposed as the input for the Ethernet cable connecting the switch to the primary network. Referring to the diagram, this means the WAN port and LAN port 1 would become unavailable, leaving LAN ports 2, 3, and 4 operational.
If your networking needs only require switching for two or three devices, this configuration may be sufficient. However, for those desiring a more conventional switch setup with a dedicated WAN port and full access to all other ports, installing third-party firmware like DD-WRT is necessary.
Flashing DD-WRT unlocks a greater level of customization, allowing you to reassign the previously reserved WAN port to the switch, thereby enabling the use of all LAN ports 1-4. The expanded functionality offered by DD-WRT makes the additional steps worthwhile, even if the extra port isn't immediately required.
Transforming Your Router into a Network Switch
Prior to initiating the process of disabling the Wi-Fi capabilities and converting your router into a network switch, several preparatory steps are essential.
Initially, a router reset is recommended, unless recent firmware updates have been applied. The reset procedure varies by model, but a common technique, known as the "Peacock Method," involves holding the reset button for thirty seconds. Unplug the device while maintaining pressure on the reset button for another thirty seconds, then reconnect power while continuing to hold the button.
Why Resetting is Important
Throughout a router’s lifespan, numerous configurations are altered. Returning the device to its factory defaults ensures a clean slate before repurposing it as a switch.
Following the reset, the router’s IP address must be modified to prevent conflicts with the primary router on your network. Most home routers default to 192.168.1.1. An IP address conflict would hinder access to the router’s administration panel for future adjustments.
Assigning a New IP Address
To avoid conflicts, assign a static IP address near the primary router’s address, but outside its DHCP assignment range. A suitable choice is often 192.168.1.2.
With the router reset and a new IP address assigned, the configuration process to transform it into a switch can begin.
Transforming a Router into a Network Switch
For those who prefer not to install custom firmware to unlock additional ports, this guide details how to repurpose a standard router – such as the Linksys WRT54 series – into a functional network switch.
Connect the Wi-Fi router to your network using one of its LAN ports. The WAN port will effectively become inactive for this configuration. Unless you revert to the router’s original function or install advanced firmware, this port will no longer be utilized. Access the router’s administration panel through a web browser on a connected computer. Remember to only modify settings as instructed, leaving all others at their factory defaults. Furthermore, follow the order of changes outlined below, as some settings become inaccessible after others are disabled.
Initial Configuration: Basic Setup
Begin by navigating to Setup -> Basic Setup. Adjust the following parameters:
- Local IP Address: [Assign an IP address different from your primary router, for example, 192.168.1.2]
- Subnet Mask: [Ensure this matches your primary router’s subnet mask, such as 255.255.255.0]
- DHCP Server: Disable
Save these settings using the "Save Settings" button. Then, proceed to Setup -> Advanced Routing.
Advanced Routing Settings
Within the Advanced Routing section, configure the following:
Operating Mode: Router
Related: Secure Your Wireless Router: 8 Things You Can Do Right NowThis setting may seem counterintuitive, but it’s crucial. The "Operating Mode" setting controls the Network Address Translation (NAT) feature. Since we are converting the router into a simpler device, NAT is unnecessary. Switching to Router mode disables NAT, which is active in Gateway mode.
Wireless Settings Configuration
Next, access the wireless settings by going to Wireless -> Basic Wireless Settings:
- Wireless SSID Broadcast: Disable
- Wireless Network Mode: Disabled
Following the disabling of wireless functionality, another seemingly unusual step is required. Navigate to Wireless -> Wireless Security and set these parameters:
- Security Mode: WPA2 Personal
- WPA Algorithms: TKIP+AES
- WPA Shared Key: [Choose a complex, random string of characters, numbers, and symbols, such as JF#d$di!Hdgio890]
You might question why we are configuring Wi-Fi security on a device that won’t be used as a wireless access point. This precaution is in place to prevent accidental activation of the Wi-Fi functionality after events like power outages. This would avoid unintentionally exposing your network. While the probability of this occurring is low, the security measure is quick to implement and provides added protection.
Finalizing the Configuration: Firewall Settings
Save your changes and then navigate to Security -> Firewall.
Uncheck all options except Filter Multicast
Firewall Protect: Disable
Save your changes one final time, verify that all settings have been applied correctly, and then deploy your newly configured switch to its intended location.
Transforming a Router into a Switch: Advanced Configuration
For a more sophisticated setup, installing DD-WRT on your router is recommended. While this involves additional steps, it grants significantly greater control over the configuration process and effectively adds an extra port to your network.
Initially, connect the Wi-Fi router to your network using one of its LAN ports. The connection cable can later be moved to the WAN port. Access the router’s administration control panel through a web browser on a connected computer. Navigate to the Setup -> Basic Setup tab to begin the configuration.
Essential Settings Adjustments
Within the Basic Setup tab, specific settings must be adjusted to successfully convert the Wi-Fi router into a switch. These changes are not merely suggestions, but requirements for the transformation.
- WAN Connection Type: Disabled
- Local IP Address: [A unique address within your network, e.g. 192.168.1.2]
- Subnet Mask: [Matching your primary router’s subnet, e.g. 255.255.255.0]
- DHCP Server: Disable
Beyond disabling the DHCP server, ensure all DNSMasq boxes located within the DHCP sub-menu are unchecked.
To activate the additional port, proceed to the WAN port section:
- Assign WAN Port to Switch [Enable this option]
With these changes, the router now functions as a switch, and the WAN port is available for use, freeing all LAN ports. While already within the control panel, consider implementing optional settings to further secure the switch and prevent unexpected behavior. These optional settings are organized according to their respective menu locations. Remember to save your changes before navigating to a new tab.
Further Configuration within Basic Setup
Remaining within the Setup -> Basic Setup menu, modify the following settings:
- Gateway/Local DNS : [The IP address of your primary router, e.g. 192.168.1.1]
- NTP Client : Disable
The next step involves completely disabling the radio functionality, which not only deactivates the Wi-Fi but also reduces power consumption by shutting down the physical radio chip. Navigate to Wireless -> Advanced Settings -> Radio Time Restrictions:
- Radio Scheduling: Enable
- Select "Always Off"
Leaving the Wi-Fi radio active presents a potential security risk; the above setting ensures it remains entirely off.
Disabling Services
Under Services -> Services:
- DNSMasq : Disable
- ttraff Daemon : Disable
Firewall and Management Settings
Within the Security -> Firewall tab, uncheck all boxes except "Filter Multicast," and then disable the SPI Firewall. Save your changes and proceed to the Administration tab. Under Administration -> Management:
- Info Site Password Protection : Enable
- Info Site MAC Masking : Disable
- CRON : Disable
- 802.1x : Disable
- Routing : Disable
After completing this final series of adjustments, save and apply your settings. The router has now been deliberately simplified to operate as a reliable network switch. It can then be positioned conveniently behind a desk or entertainment center to streamline your cabling.