Recycling Old Routers as Wireless Repeaters?

[Sean_08]

Hello All,
I won't lie, networks have always been on my peripheral, and I have never learned their intricacies. Please bear with my dumb.

The Question: Can I convert one or both of my old devices into Wireless repeaters for greater saturation or Client Mode to reach the devices in the weaker field space?

I have two old routers, a 2Wire 1800HG Gateway (A DSL Modem/Router combo) and a D-Link Dir 615 Rev E3. I have recently started renting a house large enough to need some more wireless coverage. Primarily because the prior tenants setup my connection at the back of the house, and my ISP refused to move the connection without a fee. My ISP is TimeWarner if that figures in.

I have looked into DD-WRT, and it seems to not support my D-Link Rev or the 2Wire. Anyone expertise from the masters out there would be appreciated.

Best,
Sean

 

[Calculagator]

There is no universal standard for what you want to do, so whether or not it is possible depends on what D-Link and 2Wire baked into your old hardware. I wouldn't recommend doing it. You could end up causing quite a bit of interference with your existing wifi. If you need better coverage, I would recommend running and ethernet cable to the other side of the house and setting up another router or access point. You could also just buy dedicated repeater/mesh network hardware.

 

[Sean_08]

You are right, and I realize that there is no universal standard. I am hoping someone in the land of Tom's may have experience with these devices. I could run a cable, but since this is a rental property, I am iffy on routing cable across 40+ feet of home or going through the attic. And dedicated items are far beyond budget. As for interference, that is why I want to see if these devices support Repeating / Client Modes, because this should result in no-to-minimal interference. I'm coming to those who may know better than me, because my research has fallen flat.

 

[bicycle_repair_man]

The specification for both routers doesn't mention wireless repeater functionality, so in all likelihood it can't be done. Your options are:

• 
  Buy a wireless repeater.
  Use a Powerline adapter and configure the routers as WAPs.
  Install a CAT5e cable(s) in lieu of Powerline.

The best overall solution is Powerline, in my opinion. It's pretty cheap to buy, easy to set-up and doesn't result in damage to the house.

 

[Calculagator]

The Powerline networking has probably improved since last I used it, but it didn't work reliably enough for me.
You can also just run ethernet along baseboards, through ventilation, or outside.