Things to do with an Apple Airport Extreme Router for Fun and Profit

June 21, 2017 5:59 PM

I am currently happily using the router/modem combo that came with my Verizon Fios service. However, I have an Apple Airport Extreme router that is gathering dust, and I am wondering if there is anything fun I can do with it. I am a geek who like to tinker, so I would love your ideas for projects that put this device to use.

Thanks, as always, for your help.

posted by 4ster to Computers & Internet (2 answers total)

In the olden days there were more benefits to a spare router... but today it's a bit more granular and use case specific.

The new standard for wireless routers is Wireless N. This provides a faster connection with your wireless devices, faster transfers, and streaming speeds between devices.

1. Turn Your Old Router Into a Wireless Repeater

It's true that WiFi reception isn't always very good in every single part of your home. This all depends on the size of your home. One great thing that you can do is turn your old router into a wireless repeater. Repeaters are used to strengthen the signal of your home network, ensuring that everyone in your family can access the Internet over the WiFi network. This guide will tell you how to do this.

2. Turn Your Old Router Into A Wireless Bridge

Another good use of an old router is turning it into a wireless bridge. This allows you to connect one network to another over WiFi, rather than having to run a wire from one room to another. This is perfect if you want to install a new desktop computer and for some reason, you can't connect it with wires to your network. Maybe there's not network jack or phone jack. Before buying a network adapter card, you can try and turn your old router into a wireless bridge. In essence, your old router will connect to your main router, bridging the WiFi gap, allowing you to go online. You need to use DD-WRT upgraded firmware. Also check if your router supports DD-WRT here. This guide will tell you how to proceed.

3. Turn Your Old Router Into A Hub/Switch

Lastly, if for some reason you are running out of LAN ports on your main router, you can turn your old router into a hub/switch. This can happen if you have many devices and computers plugged into your router, from video game consoles to phones. The process is quite simple. Hook the old router into one of the LAN ports of your main router. Then, turn off the DHCP and you're ready to go. This allows you to use your old router as a 3-port switch.
posted by bobdow at 7:33 PM on June 21, 2017

Isn't it also a print server, and an AirPlay(??) target for speakers? I would happily use it for those two roles if you don't want it! :7)

And with a USB hard drive attached, will it serve as a Time Machine target (Time Capsule)?
posted by wenestvedt at 3:32 AM on June 22, 2017