Do you have an old Linksys router with you and are wondering whether or not you can use it as a repeater? When you upgrade your internet connection in your home, you do not have to get rid of your old router as there are several ways in which it can come in handy at no extra cost.
People with large homes often times experience difficulty receiving the same strength of internet transmission throughout their houses. Most of the time, they opt to get mesh systems that are built to handle large expanses, and that have the capacity to ensure a strong signal in all rooms on all levels of the home. The truth is, mesh systems can be pretty expensive, and many people try to use Wi-Fi extenders and repeaters in place of mesh systems. So, can you use a Linksys router as a repeater. The answer is yes, you can use a Linksys router as a repeater to make sure you receive good internet coverage in all corners and levels of your house.
By using that old or spare Linksys router in your home, you can actually double the overall size of the wireless network within your home. With a router as a repeater, you will have no trouble connecting up to 7 devices to the internet, all at the same time. So, how can you use your old Linksys Router as a repeater?
How to Use a Linksys Router as a Repeater
To get your Linksys router to operate as a repeater, you would need to set it up and configure it to the available network for the desired coverage. This is how to go about the setup;
Step 1: Find your router’s setup page on the web
In the address bar of your computer browser, key in 192.168.1.1. Once done, proceed to log in to your router’s configuration page. For this step, you will need to use the device’s username and password. In case you have never set either of these up, leave the username field blank, and use ‘admin’ as your password.
Step 2: Copy your MAC address
You will need to copy your MAC address. To gain access to the MAC address, click on the Status link on the router’s set up page. Once selected, proceed to click on the field labelled Wireless. You will be able to see the MAC address for your wireless router. This address is what you will use to set your Linksys router up as a wireless repeater. Note it down to use later in your repeater set up.
Step 3: Set up your Linksys router as a repeater
On the web based set up page of your router, click on the field labelled AP mode. Once selected, proceed to click on Wireless Repeater. You will then be prompted to enter the MAC address obtained in a field labelled Remote Access Point LAN MAC Address. When typing in the MAC address, be sure to omit or to delete the colons. Once keyed in, go on and click on Save Settings.
When you have completed the setup steps above, your Linksys router will be ready for use as a repeater. You can install it in a convenient area for better internet coverage. Before you start on the start up procedure, here are a few things you need to keep in mind.
- Your router comes with two frequency bands that can be used for broadcasting so as to connect other channels. However, when using a repeater, you will only be able to use one of the two bands, and you will have to select which one of the two you prefer. Both bands are just as effective, and users will be able to connect to the internet network with ease.
- In case you are using a single band router, you will need to configure the repeater mode, and proceed to select the 2.4 GHz band for your Linksys router that you intend to use as a repeater. Both the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz on your repeater will still be able to work even when connected to the main router’s single band.
- When setting up your Linksys router as a repeater, do not use a WAN port to connect it to the internet. Log in to the router’s set up page on the web via the IP address only.
- In case you need to change the settings on your repeater, go to Connectivity, the proceed to select Internet Settings. This will allow you more personalized usage.
What to do when your repeater will not connect to the internet
When setup is complete and you find that your router will not connect to the ISP’s available network, or that your devices will not connect to the repeater, here are a couple things you can do to get them up and running;
- Check the device’s connectivity to the repeater. You can do this by performing a ping test. This test will try to trace the communication between your device and the Wi-Fi repeater in your home.
- Power cycle the Linksys repeater. To do this, go on and disconnect the repeater from the power source, then proceed to reconnect it. Wait to see the LED light on the repeater go on, then try to connect your device to the same.
- Check the indicator light on your Linksys router to make sure that it is connected to the Wi-Fi network. In case it is not, try and reset it by long pressing the power button and allow it to come back on and try to automatically reconnect.
Here is a tabulated representation of the above;
Possible trouble |
Recommended solution |
Poor device connectivity to repeater |
Perform ping test to confirm connectivity. |
Repeater connectivity to router |
Power cycle the repeater and wait for it to connect. |
Repeater connectivity to ISP network |
Reset repeater by long pressing power button. |
Conclusion
If you are struggling with internet reach within your home and have a Linksys router to spare, you do not have to worry about spending money on a Wi-Fi extender. All you have to do is connect the router to the main network and set it up as a repeater, and enjoy fast internet in all corners on al levels of your home.
FAQs
Can I reset my extender to factory settings in case it does not work?
Yes, you can, but that would mean losing all your personalized settings. Once it is up again, you can customize its settings as you desire.
How long should I hold the power button for when resetting the repeater?
You can hold it for 5 to 10 seconds, or until the LED indicator light begins to blink.