Note: Router features like DHCP and port forwarding are disabled while … Thought-provoking commentary on technologies that are changing the way mankind does things.Regular readers of the Disruptor blog will know that I’m a big fan of self-build projects. This isn’t necessary, but it gives you an extra port later if you need it.

I also performed a full reset.Then use a LAN port to connect to the router, not the port labeled WAN.So, if you’re done watching your neighborhood’s holiday-gifted drones crashing in the local park, amusing as it may be, it could be time to head indoors and try your hand at this, your next project.

If the security settings don't … There are more details at his blog.Another user discounts the entire Spare-PC-as-Router thing altogether in the comments, though. This will prevent your access point from fighting your router to assign IPs. Set the ‘access point’ IP address to an address on the subnet of your LAN e.g. In AP mode, your NETGEAR router extends your existing WiFi instead of creating a new WiFi network. A wireless access point is cheaper to buy than a new router and doesn’t require you rebuild your network to use it. Gordon Mah Ung A router has many functions/features, one of which is being an access point, so it can be used as simply an access point. While you could install a third-party firmware on it, then upgrade it for use as a bridge, that's a big pain in the ass and the performance will only be as good as your old router is capable of. You need a router that can run custom firmware and has a spare USB port.

Here's how to do it.So, you just upgraded your old Wi-Fi router to a shiny new model and you're reveling in speedier wireless transfers. But an access point only … You can use a NAS (network attached storage) device connected to your old router. He has another idea, and plans to turn his old PC into a makeshift arcade with tube TV. Turning an old router into a wireless access point is simple and takes about 15 minutes, and it will expand your wireless network's coverage area. The router also must allow you to browse the contents of the device. Read more: http://cnet.co/29l1EFd CNET Dong Ngo shows how you can turn that old Wi-Fi router into an external access point and make Wi-Fi sexy. With this set up on your network, you can use any device to access the files on the NAS.

The cable will ensure you get the best possible speeds between the access point and the central hub, and you don’t have to worry about anything interfering with a WiFi signal.

For more information, see What is the difference between router mode and AP mode?. VPN Connection

Wood isn’t required.Patrick Nelson was editor and publisher of the music industry trade publication Producer Report and has written for a number of technology blogs. Connect nothing to the WAN (Internet) port, connect by cable from a LAN port of the ‘access point’ to a LAN port of the router… The switch will replicate the ports that you get on a common router.CompTutor has some specific hardware recommendations on his I haven’t tried any of this yet, but according to the pfSense website, users familiar with commercial firewalls should pick up the interface quickly. Match the access point settings Once you're logged into the router's administration settings, the first thing you'll want to do is adjust the SSID, WPA settings, encryption type, and passphrase so that they match on both your new router and the old router that you're converting into an AP (see below for an example). If you're upgrading your router from 802.11g to GET AWESOME CONTENT FROM TESTED.COM DELIVERED RIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.Adam Savage's One Day Builds: Kit-Bashing and Scratch-Building!Adam Savage's One Day Builds: Snub-Nosed Blade Runner Blasters!Adam Savage's One Day Builds: Custom Workbench LED Lamp!LEGO with Friends: Custom Stay Puft Marshmallow Man!Adam Savage's One Day Builds: Foam Ringwraith Gauntlet!This is the setting on our router, note that it's set to use the 192.168.0.1 IP address and DHCP is on.These are the settings on our access point, which uses a fixed IP address outside the DHCP range of the router. How to turn an old PC into a router ... when I stumbled upon a bunch of people talking about it in the blog CompTutor’s How To comments on Reddit. An access point connects to a wired router, switch, or hub via an Ethernet cable, and projects a Wi-Fi signal to a designated area. You plug the WAP into your router via an Ethernet cable and configure it separately.

Do note that there will be no internet access at this point. I haven’t tried it yet, though.To use as a router as a switch, you’ll need to re-assign the IP address, disable the firewall on the router, and turn off "DHCP" and the "DNS Server." Step 4 : Assign the WAN port to switch. 8. However, there can be a “learning curve” for users not familiar with “commercial-grade firewalls,” the website says.CompTutor’s hardware setup runs along the lines of: Cable modem to pfSense router and firewall combo, to a 16-port Gigabit switch, to an access point, and finally to computers.He uses an Engenious access point and a Netgear unmanaged switch. He just needs some wood, he says.I’ve just started successfully using an aging Netgear router as an unmanaged switch for my Time Warner ISP-supplied ARRIS-brand router, so conceivably, in this Spare-PC-as-Router scenario, you could use the router that you were replacing as the switch. But what should you do with the old router? How to go about it is described in the "Using Two Routers Together" FAQ pinned in this forum.

Access point (AP) mode enables your router to function as a gateway for wireless devices to connect to. However, you can (usually) re-purpose as SOHO router as an additional stand-alone Wi-Fi Access Point and/or AP/ethernet switch combo. In other words, junking the puny, lame router that you may be using and taking control of your network with a UI- and feature-resplendent workhorse.The advantage of taking control of your own router and firewall destiny is that you don’t have to deal with potential built-in router security vulnerabilities from a manufacturer—it’ll be all your responsibility.The self-build is something that jumped out at me for its sheer appropriateness for us geeks, when I stumbled upon a bunch of people talking about it in the CompTutor reckons the way to approach the job is with free pfSense software, an open-source distribution of FreeBSD.To do it, he explains that you need two Ethernet ports in the computer—one for the modem as input and one for a switch as output.So, in addition to the PC, you’ll need at least one additional network card and some kind of Ethernet switch.

There's a few hoops to jump though, but it's not difficult.