Shnetbd Info Hub

🔁 1. Wi-Fi Range Extender / Repeater

Use: Extend the Wi-Fi signal from your main router to cover weak-signal areas or “dead zones” in your home.

How it works:

• Place the old router between your main router and the area with poor signal.
• Configure it in “Repeater Mode” or “Client Mode” (depends on the model).
• It rebroadcasts the existing Wi-Fi, effectively increasing the coverage area.

✅ Ideal for large homes, garages, basements, or balconies.

🌐 2. Wi-Fi Bridge (Client Mode)

Use: Connect non-Wi-Fi devices (like desktop PCs, smart TVs, or printers) to the internet wirelessly.

How it works:

• Configure the old router to connect wirelessly to your main router.
• Use LAN ports on the old router to connect wired-only devices.

✅ Saves the cost of buying Wi-Fi adapters.

👥 3. Guest Wi-Fi Network

Use: Provide internet access to guests without giving access to your main devices or files.

How it works:

• Set up your old router with a different SSID and password.
• Connect it to your main router via LAN cable or bridge mode.

✅ Improves network privacy and security.

🧠 4. Learning Tool / Experimentation

Use: Perfect for students and hobbyists wanting to learn networking skills.

What to try:

• Learn IP addressing, port forwarding, static routing, etc.
• Flash custom firmware like DD-WRT, Open WRT, or Tomato to unlock advanced features.

✅ Turns a basic router into a professional-grade network device.

📦 5. Network Switch / LAN Hub

Use: Expand the number of LAN ports if your current router doesn’t have enough.

How it works:

• Disable DHCP on the old router.
• Connect it to the main router via a LAN port.
• Use its additional ports for wired connections (PCs, printers, etc.).

✅ Especially useful in office or gaming setups.

🔒 6. Parental Control or Device Monitoring

Use: Manage what certain devices can access or limit internet time.

How it works:

• Use your old router as a dedicated network for children’s or employees’ devices.
• Use router settings to filter websites, set time limits, or monitor usage.

✅ Helps with safe browsing and productivity.

🌍 7. VPN Router

Use: Encrypt your internet traffic and access geo-blocked content on all devices.

How it works:

• Install custom firmware that supports VPN.
• Configure OpenVPN or Wire Guard to secure the whole network.

✅ Ideal for privacy-conscious users or remote workers.

🎮 8. Dedicated Network for Gaming or Streaming

Use: Avoid slowdowns by separating high-bandwidth activities.

How it works:

• Set up a separate SSID on the old router.
• Prioritize traffic (if supported) using Quality of Service (QoS) settings.

✅ Reduces lag and buffering during gameplay or video streaming.

⚙️ 9. IoT Device Hub

Use: Connect all your smart home gadgets to one network.

Why: Some IoT devices struggle with dual-band routers or complex networks.

✅ Helps keep smart bulbs, thermostats, and security cams stable and secure.

💡 Final Tip:

Before repurposing your old router, always:

• Reset it to factory settings
• Update firmware
• Disable DHCP if you’re using it as a switch or access point

Would you like a step-by-step setup guide for any of the uses above (like Wi-Fi extender or network switch)?