Exploring ways to utilize outdated routers for extending Wi-Fi coverage.
Exploring ways to utilize outdated routers for extending Wi-Fi coverage.
Hello, I have several old Wi-Fi routers and I want to know the simplest method to turn them into a mesh-like Wi-Fi extender without using LAN cables. I should connect one to the main ISP router via Wi-Fi, then extend the range to the next router, and so on. No wiring is allowed—just use Wi-Fi. Since I’m not an expert, could you suggest a straightforward solution?
They come from different ISPs over time, with each contract providing one for free. I believe they are Huawei-made, so I plan to check each one to identify the exact model.
You may occasionally find a way to extend a device from the main router, but connecting multiple ones in a chain won’t work. Most commercial mesh networks don’t support daisy chaining. Some premium systems can, though these methods are usually exclusive. The main issue is that Wi-Fi was built with security in mind—requiring each device’s MAC address to be included in the encryption. This limits the number of devices on a single network. Hackers often exploit this by using repeaters and misusing the WDS field to share MAC addresses. While newer routers can switch to repeater mode, it usually depends on their age. Many now support this feature, but third-party firmware may offer it. I haven’t tested any firmware for mesh capabilities, as these are typically proprietary, meaning you’d likely need all your devices running the same version.
Lol, I tried Chatgpt and it gave me a really detailed guide on how to do that... and it actually worked. All I did was copy the same post I put here. Unbelievable...