Replacing an aging router is often necessary for better security, range, and performance, but the old hardware still has value. According to a recent Engadget guide, most networking fundamentals have not changed in decades, so an older router can be repurposed as a secondary device rather than sent to a landfill.
The guide suggests several practical roles. An old router can serve as a Wi-Fi repeater or mesh node, either wired for stable speeds or wirelessly for easier setup, though wireless mode cuts real-world speeds. It can also be converted into a network switch by connecting it to the new router via LAN ports, providing extra Ethernet connections for TVs, consoles, and computers without buying a dedicated switch.
Other options include using a router's USB port to create a simple print server or a rudimentary storage server, and configuring it as a dedicated VPN router so that only selected devices route through the tunnel. The article notes that routers lack the reliability and backup features of dedicated NAS devices, and that wireless interference should be avoided by disabling overlapping frequencies. Overall, the message is that a little configuration can extend the useful life of networking hardware and save money on single-purpose gadgets.}json can be used.json
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