Can I Use My Old ADSL Modem as a Wireless Router?‍ 3 Important Settings

How can I use my old ADSL Modem as a wireless router is a question most of us ask frequently. So, are you using ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line) to access the Internet and have a modem left over from that time? Are you wondering if your old ADSL modem can be used as a wireless router? The answer is—if it also supports WiFi then you can use this ADSL modem as a normal WiFi router.

It is possible to use an old ADSL modem as a wireless router, but it depends on the specific model and features of the modem. If the modem has a built-in wireless router functionality, then you can connect it to your internet service provider’s network using an Ethernet cable and configure the wireless settings to create a WiFi network.

However, if the modem does not have built-in wireless router functionality, you will need to connect it to a separate wireless router using an Ethernet cable to create a WiFi network. Let’s dive in and find out how to use an old ADSL modem as a wireless router.

Related Article: How do I Restrict Internet Access on my Wireless Router?

Can I use my old ADSL modem as a wireless router?

It is possible to use an old ADSL modem as a wireless router, but it depends on the specific model and features of the modem. If the modem has built-in wireless router functionality, you can connect it to your internet service provider’s network using an Ethernet cable and configure the wireless settings to create a WiFi network.

If the modem does not have built-in wireless router functionality, you can connect it to a separate wireless router using an Ethernet cable to create a WiFi network.

However, it’s important to check the modem’s compatibility with your current internet service provider’s network and the latest wireless networking standards before attempting to use it as a wireless router. It’s also recommended to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or consult with a professional to configure the modem and router settings correctly to create a secure and stable WiFi network.

What can I do with the old ADSL modem?

There are several things you can do with an old ADSL modem, depending on its condition and features. An old ADSL router can be repurposed for a variety of functions beyond its primary role as a modem for an ADSL internet connection. Here are some options:

1. Use it as a backup: If your current modem or router fails, having an old ADSL modem as a backup can be useful to avoid internet downtime.
2. Donate or recycle: If the modem is still in good condition, you can donate it to a charity, school, or community center that could benefit from it. If it’s no longer functional, consider recycling it at a local e-waste facility.
3. Repurpose it: You can use an old ADSL modem as a network switch or hub by connecting devices to its Ethernet ports. You can also use it as a wireless access point by connecting it to a wireless router using an Ethernet cable.
4. Experiment and learn: If you’re interested in networking and technology, you can use the old modem as a learning tool to experiment with different network configurations or explore the modem’s settings to gain a better understanding of how it works.

Repurposing old ADSL modem

If you have an old ADSL modem, you can repurpose it to serve other functions in your home or office. Some of the easy DIY projects you can carry out with your old modem include:

1. Using it as a wireless Repeater: An old ADSL modem router can be used as a wireless repeater to extend the range of your WiFi network. To do this, you can configure the old router to connect to your primary router wirelessly and then rebroadcast the signal to increase coverage.
2. Guest Wi-Fi Connection: If your primary router doesn’t have a guest WiFi feature, you can use an old ADSL modem router to create a separate network for your guests. This can help improve security and prevent them from accessing your main network.
3. Cheap Internet Radio: You can repurpose an old ADSL modem router as a cheap internet radio by connecting it to a pair of speakers and streaming music from online radio stations or music streaming services.
4. Network Switch: An old ADSL modem router can also be used as a network switch to connect multiple devices to your network using Ethernet cables. This can be useful if you need to connect more devices than your primary router has available ports.
5. Wireless Bridge: An old ADSL modem router can be repurposed as a wireless bridge to connect wired devices to your WiFi network. This can be useful if you have a device that doesn’t have WiFi capabilities, such as a game console or smart TV.
6. NAS (Network Attached Storage): You can convert an old ADSL modem router into a NAS device by attaching an external hard drive to its USB port. This allows you to share files and media across your network.
7. Web Server: You can use an old ADSL modem router as a web server by installing and configuring web server software such as Apache or Nginx. This allows you to host your own website or web application.
8. DIY VPN Router: You can repurpose an old ADSL modem router as a VPN router by installing VPN software such as OpenVPN. This allows you to secure your internet traffic and access geo-restricted content from anywhere in the world

How do I convert my ADSL modem to WAN router?

If you want to use your ADSL modem as a wireless router, you will need to configure it as a WAN (wide area network) router. Converting an ADSL modem to a WAN router can be done by following these steps:

1. Connect your computer to the ADSL modem using an Ethernet cable.
2. Open your web browser and type the IP address of the modem in the address bar. This is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but it may vary depending on the model of your modem.
3. Enter the default username and password for the modem (this information can usually be found in the user manual or online).
4. Navigate to the WAN settings and select the option to use the Ethernet WAN connection.
5. Enter the necessary information for your WAN connection, such as the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server information. This information is typically provided by your internet service provider (ISP).
6. Save your settings and restart the modem.

Once you have completed these steps, your ADSL modem should be converted to a WAN router and you should be able to connect it to your modem provided by your ISP. Note that not all ADSL modems are capable of being converted to WAN routers, so it’s important to check the specifications of your specific modem before attempting this process.

How to use a D-Link ADSL modem as a router

A D-Link ADSL modem can be used as a router. By configuring the modem’s settings to use the PPPoE connection type and setting up the wireless network, you can use the modem to connect to the internet and access it on your wireless devices. However, the specific steps may vary depending on the model of your D-Link ADSL modem, so it is important to refer to the user manual or online resources for specific instructions. To use a D-Link ADSL modem as a router, follow these steps:

1. Connect your computer to the D-Link modem using an Ethernet cable.
2. Open your web browser and type in the IP address of the modem in the address bar. This is usually 192.168.1.1, but it may vary depending on the model of your modem.
3. Enter the default username and password for the modem (this information can usually be found in the user manual or online).
4. Navigate to the Setup Wizard and follow the prompts to configure the modem as a router.
5. Select the “PPPoE” connection type and enter your broadband username and password (this information should be provided by your ISP).
6. Set up your wireless network by selecting “Wireless Setup” and following the prompts to configure your wireless settings.
7. Save your settings and restart the modem.

Once you have completed these steps, your D-Link ADSL modem will be set up as a router and you should be able to connect to the internet and use the modem’s wireless network to access the internet on your wireless devices.

How to use ADSL router as a WiFi extender

You can use an ADSL router as a WiFi extender by changing the router’s settings to match those of your primary router and positioning it in a location where it can receive a strong wireless signal. To use an ADSL router as a WiFi extender, follow these steps:

1. Connect your computer to the ADSL router using an Ethernet cable.
2. Open your web browser and type the IP address of the router in the address bar. This is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but it may vary depending on the model of your router.
3. Enter the default username and password for the router (this information can usually be found in the user manual or online).
4. Navigate to the wireless settings and disable the DHCP server.
5. Change the wireless network name (SSID) to the same name as your primary router’s network.
6. Set the wireless channel to the same channel as your primary router’s network.
7. Set the security type and password to match your primary router’s network.
8. Save your settings and restart the router.

Once you have completed these steps, your ADSL router should be set up as a WiFi extender and will be able to boost the wireless signal of your primary router. Note that the placement of the ADSL router is important – it should be positioned in a location where it can receive a strong wireless signal from your primary router, and it should be placed far enough away from your primary router to provide optimal coverage.

Using TP-Link ADSL2+ modem router as a wireless repeater

It is possible to use a TP-Link ADSL2+ modem router as a wireless repeater. To do this, you will need to set up the modem router in “Wireless Repeater” mode and configure it to extend the range of your primary router’s wireless network. The exact steps may vary depending on the model of your TP-Link ADSL2+ modem router, so it is important to refer to the user manual or online resources for specific instructions. To use a TP-Link ADSL2+ modem router as a wireless repeater, follow these steps:

1. Connect your computer to the TP-Link modem router using an Ethernet cable.
2. Open your web browser and enter the IP address of the modem router in the address bar. This is usually 192.168.1.1, but it may vary depending on the model of your modem router.
3. Enter the default username and password for the modem router (this information can usually be found in the user manual or online).
4. Navigate to the “Wireless Settings” section and set up a wireless network with the same SSID and security settings as your primary router.
5. Set the wireless channel to be different than your primary router.
6. Enable the “Wireless Repeater” mode and select your primary router’s network to extend.
7. Enter the security settings for your primary router’s network (if prompted).
8. Save your settings and restart the modem router.

Once you have completed these steps, your TP-Link ADSL2+ modem router will be set up as a wireless repeater and should extend the range of your primary router’s wireless network. Note that the exact steps may vary depending on the model of your TP-Link ADSL2+ modem router, so it is important to refer to the user manual or online resources for specific instructions.

Conclusion

Repurposing an old ADSL modem as a wireless router is a great way to get the most out of your existing technology. Whether you’re looking to extend your Wi-Fi coverage, create a guest network, or even set up a DIY VPN router, there are a number of options available for making use of your old equipment.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all ADSL modems are capable of being converted to a wireless router or WAN router, so it’s important to do your research before attempting any of these methods. Additionally, if you’re not particularly tech-savvy, it may be a good idea to seek out the help of a professional to ensure that everything is set up correctly and functioning properly.

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