Is Using Old Routers As Wifi Extenders Still Effective In 2025

In an era where smart homes rely on seamless connectivity and multi-gigabit internet plans are becoming standard, the question of whether repurposing old routers as Wi-Fi extenders remains viable is more relevant than ever. Many households still have outdated hardware gathering dust in drawers—devices that once powered their early broadband experiences. With growing interest in sustainability and cost-saving hacks, turning these legacy routers into signal boosters seems like a logical move. But does this approach hold up against today’s networking demands in 2025?

The short answer: sometimes—but with significant caveats. While technically feasible, the effectiveness of using an old router as a Wi-Fi extender hinges on several factors, including hardware specifications, network topology, and user expectations. As newer standards like Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 gain traction, older devices may struggle to deliver reliable, high-speed coverage.

How Old Routers Can Function as Wi-Fi Extenders

Most traditional routers can be reconfigured to act as wireless repeaters or access points using third-party firmware such as DD-WRT, OpenWRT, or Tomato. These open-source solutions unlock advanced networking features not available in stock firmware, enabling older models to rebroadcast a primary network’s signal.

When configured correctly, the old router connects wirelessly (or via Ethernet, if used as an access point) to your main router and extends coverage to dead zones. This method avoids purchasing additional commercial range extenders and reduces electronic waste—a win for both budget-conscious users and environmental sustainability.

However, functionality doesn’t guarantee performance. A router from 2012 running DD-WRT might technically repeat a signal, but its underlying hardware limitations could severely bottleneck throughput and latency.

Tip: Always flash firmware updates before installing custom software. Outdated base firmware can cause instability when loading open-source replacements.

Performance Limitations of Legacy Hardware in 2025

Modern internet usage has evolved dramatically over the past decade. Streaming 4K HDR content, cloud gaming, video conferencing, and IoT device proliferation demand low latency, high bandwidth, and robust Quality of Service (QoS). Older routers often fall short due to:

• Limited processing power: CPUs in pre-2015 routers typically operate below 600 MHz, insufficient for handling concurrent connections and encryption overhead.
• Outdated Wi-Fi standards: Many legacy models support only 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4), lacking MU-MIMO, beamforming, and efficient modulation schemes found in Wi-Fi 5/6/7.
• Single-band operation: Devices limited to 2.4 GHz suffer from congestion and interference, especially in urban environments.
• RAM and flash memory constraints: Less than 32MB RAM and 8MB storage restrict firmware capabilities and stability under load.

Even if successfully flashed with modern firmware, these routers cannot overcome physical hardware limits. For example, a dual-core 500MHz processor cannot efficiently handle WPA3 encryption or manage dozens of connected smart devices simultaneously.

“Repurposing old gear is commendable, but don’t expect enterprise-level performance from consumer-grade hardware designed over a decade ago.” — David Lin, Senior Network Engineer at NetVision Labs

Comparison: Old Router Extenders vs. Modern Alternatives

Feature	Old Router (as Extender)	Modern Mesh System	Dedicated Wi-Fi 6 Extender
Max Theoretical Speed	300 Mbps (802.11n)	Up to 9.6 Gbps (Wi-Fi 7)	3 Gbps (Wi-Fi 6)
Bands Supported	2.4 GHz only (common)	Tri-band (2.4 + 5 + 6 GHz)	Dual-band (2.4 + 5 GHz)
Backhaul Efficiency	Shared airtime (half-duplex)	Dedicated radio or Ethernet backhaul	Same-band or dedicated band
Latency Performance	High (due to retransmission)	Low to moderate	Moderate
Setup Complexity	High (manual configuration)	Low (app-based setup)	Medium (web interface/app)
Cost	$0 (if already owned)	$200–$600+	$80–$150
Security Support	Limited or none	Frequent updates, WPA3-ready	Regular updates, modern protocols

This comparison illustrates that while old routers offer zero incremental cost, they lag significantly in speed, reliability, and security. In contrast, even entry-level mesh systems provide intelligent band steering, automatic failover, and centralized management—features critical for maintaining consistent performance across large homes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Repurpose an Old Router in 2025

If you decide to proceed with converting an old router into a Wi-Fi extender, follow this structured process to maximize success:

1. Assess Hardware Compatibility: Verify model support for DD-WRT or OpenWRT using their official databases. Avoid routers with less than 16MB flash or 32MB RAM.
2. Backup Current Settings: Save existing configurations before flashing new firmware.
3. Download Correct Firmware Version: Use only the exact build specified for your model variant (e.g., TP-Link WR841N v10).
4. Flash the Firmware: Access the router’s admin panel, upload the .bin file, and wait 5–10 minutes without interruption.
5. Reset and Reconfigure: Perform a factory reset after flashing to clear residual settings.
6. Set Up as Repeater Bridge: Navigate to Wireless → Basic Settings, set mode to “Repeater Bridge,” and enter the SSID and password of your main network.
7. Assign Static IP: Configure a fixed IP outside your DHCP range to prevent conflicts.
8. Optimize Channel Selection: Manually select the least congested channel using tools like Wi-Fi Analyzer.
9. Test Thoroughly: Measure speeds at various distances and monitor for disconnections or overheating.

Tip: Connect the old router via Ethernet to your main network whenever possible. Running it as a wired access point eliminates wireless backhaul bottlenecks entirely.

Real-World Example: John’s Basement Coverage Challenge

John lives in a 1920s two-story home with thick plaster walls that block Wi-Fi signals. His ISP provides a DOCSIS 3.1 gateway upstairs, but his basement office suffers from frequent dropouts. He attempted to use a Linksys WRT54GL from 2007—once popular among modders—as a repeater.

After installing DD-WRT, he managed to get the device online and rebroadcasting the signal. However, real-world testing revealed average speeds of just 18 Mbps down and 45 ms ping—barely sufficient for Zoom calls. Latency spiked during evening hours, and file transfers stalled intermittently.

Frustrated, John upgraded to a budget mesh system (TP-Link Deco E4). Within minutes, his basement saw stable 120 Mbps speeds and sub-20ms latency. The ease of setup and consistent performance justified the $100 investment.

This case highlights a common pattern: legacy hardware can achieve basic connectivity, but fails under practical loads expected in modern households.

When It Still Makes Sense to Use Old Routers

Despite their drawbacks, old routers remain useful in specific scenarios:

• Secondary networks: Isolate guest traffic or IoT devices on a separate extended SSID.
• Ethernet expansion: Use the router as a switch by disabling DHCP and connecting via LAN port.
• Remote outbuildings: Provide minimal connectivity to sheds or garages where high speed isn't required.
• Learning tool: Ideal for students or hobbyists exploring networking concepts and firmware customization.

In these cases, performance expectations should align with capability. An old router extending Wi-Fi to a garden shed for weather sensors is reasonable; relying on it for 4K streaming in a primary bedroom is not.

Checklist: Should You Use Your Old Router as an Extender?

Before proceeding, evaluate your situation with this checklist:

• ☐ Is the router model supported by DD-WRT/OpenWRT?
• ☐ Does it support at least 802.11n on 5 GHz (dual-band)?
• ☐ Are you comfortable troubleshooting network issues manually?
• ☐ Do you need only basic connectivity (email, browsing), not HD streaming or gaming?
• ☐ Have you considered using it as a wired access point instead?
• ☐ Is there no better alternative within your budget?

If three or more answers are “no,” investing in modern equipment is likely the smarter choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any old router be turned into a Wi-Fi extender?

No. Only models with compatible processors and sufficient memory can run custom firmware like DD-WRT. Check the official compatibility list before attempting installation. Even then, some functions may be unstable or missing.

Will using an old router slow down my entire network?

Potentially, yes. If operating in repeater mode on the same frequency band, it halves available bandwidth due to shared airtime. Devices connected through the extender will experience reduced speeds and higher latency, which can affect overall network efficiency.

What’s the best alternative to using an old router as an extender?

A modern mesh Wi-Fi system offers superior performance, self-healing networks, seamless roaming, and app-based control. Even mid-tier options like Google Nest Wifi or TP-Link Deco series outperform legacy DIY setups in reliability and scalability.

Conclusion: Balancing Practicality, Cost, and Performance

By 2025, using old routers as Wi-Fi extenders has shifted from a practical solution to a niche workaround. While technically possible and occasionally adequate for light-duty tasks, these devices are increasingly mismatched with contemporary networking demands. Bandwidth-intensive applications, dense device ecosystems, and evolving security requirements expose the limitations of aging hardware.

That said, recycling old technology reflects a valuable mindset—one of resourcefulness and environmental responsibility. When applied appropriately, such projects can extend utility and deepen technical understanding. But for most users seeking reliable, future-proof connectivity, upgrading to purpose-built mesh systems or Wi-Fi 6 extenders delivers far greater long-term value.

Technology evolves rapidly, and so should our expectations. Before reviving that decade-old router, ask: Am I solving the problem—or just postponing an inevitable upgrade?

🚀 Ready to optimize your home network? Evaluate your current setup, test signal strength in weak zones, and consider a small investment in modern hardware. Share your experience or questions in the comments below—your insight could help others make smarter decisions in 2025 and beyond.