Upgrading your router to a more powerful and modern model is great news, however, little is said about the old router you just unplugged, which hopefully ends up in a drawer and not in the trash. Well, neither one nor the other, because there are at least five clever technological tricks to reuse it.

Generally, electronic devices have an extra life. With some basic adjustments, you can turn it into an ally to improve your WiFi network or for other "secrets" that we're about to share with you.

5 clever tricks to reuse an old router

1. Expand the number of Ethernet ports

Most home routers include between two and four Ethernet ports to connect computers, game consoles, or cable TVs. If these are no longer enough in your home, you can use the old router as a connection extension.

Simply connect the main router and the old one with an Ethernet cable. This way, the old device acts as an additional wired connection point.

It's a useful solution if you have several desktop computers in the same room and want to avoid buying an additional switch.

Also read: What to do with an old tablet: 7 tricks to get the most out of it

2. Improve WiFi coverage at home

One of the most practical uses is to turn your old router into a repeater or access point. If the WiFi signal doesn't reach certain corners of the house with good strength, you can connect it to the main router using an Ethernet cable and configure it as a secondary access point.

Placed in a strategic location, it will help extend wireless coverage. This improves signal stability in distant rooms without needing to buy a new repeater.

3. Create a dedicated guest network

Not all routers include a guest network option. In that case, your old device can fulfill that function.

By connecting it to the main router and configuring it in bridge mode,You can create a separate Wi-Fi network with a different name and password. This option allows you to offer a connection to guests without sharing your main network password, providing an extra layer of security.

4. Set up a network with parental controls

Another interesting option is to dedicate your old router to a specific network for children. Many models allow you to apply basic filters or limit access to certain websites from their settings panel.

This way, devices that connect to that network can have time restrictions or content blocks, while the rest of the household maintains its usual connection without changes.

5. Share files or printers on the network

Some routers have USB ports. If yours does, you can connect a USB drive or a printer and share them on the network within your home.

This allows you to create a small home storage network or enable a printer for multiple devices without needing it to be directly connected to a computer.

Even without internet access, it can function as a local network for file sharing.

Ultimately, if you don't know what to do with an old router, it's best to give it away to someone who might need it instead of letting it gather dust in a closet. If you have a tech-savvy friend, they'll appreciate it.