Like other network devices, your Linksys Wireless-G Router will become outdated after a period of time. Additionally, there are increasingly connected devices using the network created from this obsolete device. The router begins to show uncomfortable slowness and latency.
In fact, due to the fast development of today’s wireless technology, you need to upgrade a new router quite often to be able to enjoy the best connection. This replacement created a large number of old routers no longer in use, which is very wasteful.
Have you ever thought about reusing routers? In this article, we will share with you the most brilliant ideas on how to reuse your old Linksys Wireless G Router . If you own such an old router, why not follow us right now?
What is a Wireless Router?
A wireless router is a hardware device to ascertain the location of the next network point in a WLAN (stands for “Wireless Local Area Network), which the network will transmit the packet of information to.
In essence, the mode of operation of the wireless router is similar to that of routers in hardwired LAN (stands for local area network) for use at home or work.
However, with the wireless router, while working on your notebook or portable computers, you can feel free to move in a greater range when compared to the router.
Small wireless transceivers come with individual computers. We can use these transceivers by plugging them into either a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port or a PC card slot found on the side of computers.
Besides the function of forwarding the package, in the high-speed internet environment like a business, a wireless router can protect your computers like a firewall. When it comes to this protection function, the number of routers does not matter much.
As IP addresses of individual computers are not directly exposed to the Internet, so utilizing the operation of the router can avoid hacking incredibly. Additionally, unlike a firewall program, a wireless router will not occupy computer resources.
Is Your Wireless Router Outdated?
Standards of wireless router
When you decide to buy a wireless router, most people will just care about the price and brand. Do you know there are a ton of options with different types and standards of the router that can bring to a crossroads?
What is the best router for gaming? What if I just watch TV? What is outdated? We have all the answers for you. Below is the classification of routers.
Wireless Router B
Operating at the 2.4GHz frequency range, a transfer rate of Wireless B can reach up to 11mbps in theory.
Currently, no manufacturer still provides routers with only Wireless B standard. However, newer routers with Wireless B and modern wireless standards are still available.
Wireless Router G
Although operating on the 2.4 GHz frequency range, the transfer rate of Wireless G is five times faster than Wireless B, equivalent to 54mbps. Also, Wireless Router G can ensure the good quality of signal in about 150 feet or around 45 meters.
Wireless Router N
Theoretically, Wireless N can support a transfer rate in the range of 300mbps to 450mbps depending on the number of antennas. In addition to the 2.4GHz band, the routers equipped with this wireless standard also work on the 5GHz that allows superior signal range and strength.
Wireless Router AC
This is the latest wireless standard that has been launched. Wireless Router AC adopts the multi-antenna technology that is available on Wireless N, with a 5 GHz band and a maximum speed of up to 1730 Mbps.
However, the current cost of wireless standard AC is still quite high compared to the remaining standards.
Is your wireless router G out of date?
The market adopted the G standard rather quickly after launch because of its higher data rate compared to wireless B. There are still a lot of wireless router G in many families right now.
Nevertheless, due to the rapid development of the modern life, the G standard gradually proved to be exhausted in the competition against the succession standards.
Due to only operating in the 2.4GHz frequency range that is identical to many common household appliances, the signal from wireless router G can be affected when these devices are near together.
Launched in 2009, Wireless N is the most popular standard today thanks to its superiority over standards B and G. Therefore, if possible, you should buy a wireless router N to experience the best connection speed.
Creative Ways To Reuse Your Old Linksys Wireless G Router
Like we mentioned before, Wireless Router G has become quite out of date because of the limitation of the transfer rate and frequency range.
However, if you bought a new router, don’t throw away the old router as there are still a plethora of useful things that can be done to your old router.
Build a wireless repeater
What would happen if your wifi network didn’t expand your entire home space? While a simple solution is you can use powerline Ethernet adapters, using your old Linksys Wireless G Router can be another great option.
Use your old router as a wireless repeater means we will use the wifi signal to connect the old router to your new wireless network. After that, the new network will share the wifi network for the old rouet to able to access. Since then, the signal will cover a larger area.
Sometimes, your network can encounter the delay of the response time, using an old device to extend your wireless network is overall an easy and economical way.
With a variety of uses, a wireless repeater can allow you to have the connection at every corner of your house. Even you can use it to stream video to your smartphone while you are playing in the backyard.
Create another wifi network for your guests
Your friends regularly come over and want to use your wifi. However, the password of your network and your Facebook are the same, so you don’t want to let them know. What should you do?
Well, how about creating a separate connection network for your guests?
The use is quite the same as a wireless repeater. The old router will connect to your new network that is using the new router and comes with the password required to log in.
Meanwhile, the network that the old router creates will let you use without password security in case you are using new devices to access. This network is called a guest network that is separate from your existing network.
If you still feel insecure, set up a firewall for your main router through the web-based setup page of the router.
Create an internet radio streamer
Are you a big fan of the radio station? The great news is you can configure to turn some types of old router, including Linksys Wireless G Router into an internet radio.
The requirement is you need to install OpenWrt or DD-WRT, which is a custom firmware for your browser. Obviously, your old router cannot play music, so you need to have a USB soundcard and also other auxiliary software.
Although the installation is not quite complicated, and it can be much easier to have internet radio options, it can still be an intriguing project for many guys.
Set up the router as a network switch
Most routers only have a few ports connecting Ethernet ports. With the emergence of more and more wireless devices, manufacturers are further reducing the number of ports available.
However, you are still using a lot of wired old model devices at home like your TV, your games console. That is why you always need more Ethernet ports. Your old router can help you.
Turning your unused router into a network switch is like creating a new larger network version. Installing the connection between the old and new router by plugging a connecting cable into one port on the new one.
To connect, you should always remember to power on the old router. You can disconnect this by turning off the power. Now you have more ports to use than before.
We also suggest you should turn off wireless networking of the old router unless conflict between two routers can occur.
Use as a Wireless Bridge
“My router doesn’t have any Ethernet ports. What can I do to reuse it?”
Well, perhaps your device has no Ethernet port to use the above ways.
No problem! Reusing it as a wireless bridge is the solution for you. A wireless bridge will use the wifi to make a connection between two wired networks.
Compared to a wireless repeater, the difference of a wireless bridge is it will offer Ethernet instead of sharing the wifi connection.
Build a Smart Home Hub
Besides providing LAN and Ethernet ports, some producers also offer other convenient ports. For example, your router can feature a port for USB to support flashing OpenWRT or DD-WRT router firmware.
If your unused device has a serial port, congratulations! You can create a server for home automation,
You can use a PC or, more conveniently, your smartphone to proceed with the installation process. Fundamentally, you establish a connection to your browser through a server which will be then run by the router. You can easily find a detailed instruction on how to do it on Youtube.
Convert into a NAS Drive
Have you ever heard about NAS Drive?
It is a hard disk drive that connects to a home or office network. It can store your data with no monthly costs. Hence, repurposing an old Linksys Wireless G Router into a NAS Drive seems a fantastic idea.
First, you should check whether your device can support custom firmware and a USB port or not. The reason is you need them to able to attach storage devices like USB flash.
Once completed, you can conveniently access your files from NAS Drive no matter where you are in your house.
Create a website for your family
Can you imagine a website hosted by your wireless router? Yeah, you can really run a website and even a blog with your small wifi box.
However, only some routers running OpenWRT or DD-WRT can make it possible. You can check your model on the Internet to know more requirements and configurations.
Make Your Own VPN Router
You can set up your VPN or ExpressVPN account on your router. If the installation is possible to your router model, it means every device on the network will be kept safe thanks to VPN.
Now, it will be unnecessary to use individual client apps as the network at your home is always protected.
It is advisable to check the instruction carefully when you begin to install. While VPN can be available on some old models but it will not work unless the modem-only mode on the routers is activated.
Sell it on eBay
If you are not tech-savvy and thus, fail to follow these ideas above, why not earn money from selling the device?
eBay is always a good place where everyone goes to buy the old tech stuff. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. List your old router on the website, specify the model and status, and perhaps there will be networking enthusiasts looking for such a device.
With the money earned from selling an old router, now you can purchase a much better gadget.
Conclusion
To wrap up, these guides above are all creative ideas on how to reuse your old Linksys Wireless G Router . After all, we assume that your old router is not that useless, so do not throw it away or let it be forgotten in your warehouse. If you have any questions, please let us know in the comment section. Wish you success with our guide!
