How to Use a Router As a Switch

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This wikiHow teaches you how to convert an old router into a network switch. This is useful if you want to connect multiple devices to a wired internet connection. You will need to do a factory reset on the router and change some of the router's settings.

Steps

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    Plug the router you want to turn into a switch (we'll call this the 'switch-router' from now on) into an open power outlet. You should see the power light indicator light up.
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    Look for a small button labeled "Reset" and hold it for 30 seconds until all the lights blink off for a few seconds. You should see the power indicator light up after a second. This will reset the router to its factory settings. [1]
    • Depending on your brand of your old router, you may need to use a pen or unbent paperclip to press the Reset button.
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    Connect a crossover cable to the LAN/Ethernet port on your active internet router to the LAN/Ethernet port on the switch-router. [2]
    • On the switch-router, the "WAN" or "Internet" ports will not be used, so make sure nothing is connected by mistake.
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    Connect the computer to an open Ethernet port on the switch-router and make sure your computer is not picking up any wi-fi signals from the first router. It's a good idea to turn off Wi-Fi on the computer for testing purposes. [3]
    • If you are using a DSL or Satellite internet connection, you may need to use the configuration CD that came with the router in order to set it up with the proper authentication.
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    By default, the router's IP address is usually 192.168.1.1' . This will take you to login page.
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    On many routers, the default username is "admin" and the password is usually "admin" or "password". [4]
    • Consult the user's manual or do a Google search for your router's model number to find the default login information.
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    This will prevent the router's IP address from conflicting with the first router. For example, if the first router has a default IP address of 192.168.1.1, you can change the second router's IP address to something like 192.168.1.2, as long as it's not assigned to another device. [5]
    • You can usually find the option to change the IP address under "Home", "Setup", or "LAN". Consult the user's manual to change the IP address with your particular router.
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    The switch-router will not function as a switch if DHCP is enabled. Consult your user's manual on the specifics of your particular router. [6]
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    This will ensure your network is more secure. [7]
    • Be sure to disable any Firewall protection on the switch-router as well, such as SPI.
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    Your old router is now configured to work as a switch and you should now be able to connect your wired devices to the switch-router and have an internet connection.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/turn-old-router-into-extender
      2. ↑ https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/internetbasics/how-to-set-up-a-wifi-network/1/
      3. ↑ https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/internetbasics/how-to-set-up-a-wifi-network/1/
      4. ↑ https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/internetbasics/how-to-set-up-a-wifi-network/1/
      5. ↑ https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/turn-old-router-into-extender
      6. ↑ https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/turn-old-router-into-extender
      7. ↑ https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/turn-old-router-into-extender

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