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Yes—an old router can sometimes add Wi-Fi as a wired access point, share USB storage on your home network, or host a WireGuard VPN. Those jobs are not equally universal: a wired access point is the most broadly applicable, while storage and WireGuard depend on the exact router model, hardware revision, firmware support, and available resources. Check those details before changing firmware or buying storage.
Check the model and hardware revision first
Find the router’s model number and hardware revision on its label or in its administration interface. Then look up that exact revision in the OpenWrt supported devices database and follow its device-specific installation guidance if you are considering OpenWrt. A model name alone may not identify the right firmware image or capabilities.
OpenWrt’s general guidance describes 8 MB of flash as the bare minimum and 16 MB as better; for RAM, it describes 64 MB as the minimum and 128 MB as better. These are broad hardware guidelines, not guarantees that a device supports a particular current release, package, USB feature, radio mode, or VPN workload. Check the device entry, current release support, free flash space, and the installation procedure before flashing. A mismatched image can make a router unusable.
Use it as a wired Wi-Fi access point
A wired access point is usually the simplest second life for an old router: Ethernet connects it to the existing network, and its Wi-Fi serves nearby devices. In this bridged AP arrangement, the main router—or another upstream network device—continues to handle routing, firewalling, DHCP, and DNS. OpenWrt calls this arrangement a bridged or “dumb” access point.
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- DUAL-BAND WIFI 6 ROUTER: Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) technology achieves faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous gen. All WiFi routers require a separate modem. Dual-Band WiFi routers do not support the 6 GHz band.
- AX1800: Enjoy smoother and more stable streaming, gaming, downloading with 1.8 Gbps total bandwidth (up to 1200 Mbps on 5 GHz and up to 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz). Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- CONNECT MORE DEVICES: Wi-Fi 6 technology communicates more data to more devices simultaneously using revolutionary OFDMA technology
- EXTENSIVE COVERAGE: Achieve the strong, reliable WiFi coverage with Archer AX1800 as it focuses signal strength to your devices far away using Beamforming technology, 4 high-gain antennas and an advanced front-end module (FEM) chipset
- OUR CYBERSECURITY COMMITMENT: TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
- Connect a LAN port on the old router to a LAN port on the existing router with Ethernet. Do not use the old router’s WAN port for this topology unless its device-specific AP mode explicitly calls for it.
- Give the old router an address reachable on the existing router’s subnet. Use a static address outside the main router’s DHCP allocation range, or reserve an address through the upstream DHCP server, as appropriate for your network.
- Disable the old router’s DHCP server so it does not compete with the main router. Leave DHCP and the other network services on the upstream router.
- Configure Wi-Fi on the old router, save the settings, and connect a client to confirm it receives an address from the existing network and can reach the internet.
Exact menu names differ by manufacturer and firmware. If the stock interface offers an access-point mode, consult the documentation for that precise model; do not assume another vendor’s menus or behavior apply.
Use it as a wireless repeater only if the setup supports it
Without an Ethernet uplink, the old router may be able to connect to the existing Wi-Fi and provide a second access point. This is more conditional than a wired AP: support depends on the old router’s radio and driver, the upstream access point, and the selected configuration.
Rank #2
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with 5 GHz speeds up to 867 Mbps and 2.4 GHz speeds up to 300 Mbps, delivering 1200 Mbps of total bandwidth¹. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- Covers up to 1,000 sq. ft. with four external antennas for stable wireless connections and optimal coverage.
- Supports IGMP Proxy/Snooping, Bridge and Tag VLAN to optimize IPTV streaming
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
- Advanced Security with WPA3 - The latest Wi-Fi security protocol, WPA3, brings new capabilities to improve cybersecurity in personal networks
OpenWrt documents relayd for cases where the upstream router is not running OpenWrt or lacks preferred WDS or 802.11s mesh support. Its documentation also warns that some wireless drivers cannot do ordinary Layer 2 bridging in client mode. Do not assume a wireless repeater will behave as a transparent bridge or provide seamless roaming; check the exact device and configuration before relying on it.
Share a USB drive as a basic network file share
A router with a USB socket is not automatically a NAS. For a simple home file share, its firmware must support the storage device and filesystem, detect and mount the drive, and provide a file-sharing service such as ksmbd or Samba. OpenWrt’s guides cover USB storage setup and NAS configuration; confirm that the exact router has enough compatible firmware and package space before proceeding.
Rank #3
- NIGHTHAWK WIFI 6 ROUTER FOR YOUR WHOLE HOME: Delivers fast, reliable WiFi across every room of your apartment or small home for streaming, gaming, video calls, and smart home devices, all running at the same time without slowing each other down.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
- SET UP AND MANAGE YOUR NETWORK WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android for guided setup. Manage WiFi, run speed tests, pause devices, and set up guest networks from anywhere. Active internet required.
- READY FOR THE DEVICES YOU ALREADY OWN: Your phones, laptops, and TVs work right out of the box. WiFi 6 delivers speeds up to 1.8 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Backward compatible with WiFi 5 and earlier.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Covers up to 1,500 sq. ft. for up to 20 connected devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
- Check that the firmware has the required USB storage drivers and recognizes the drive.
- Confirm the drive’s partition and filesystem are supported, then configure mounting or automounting.
- Install and configure a supported SMB service so computers on the network can access the share.
- Check the drive’s power needs: some disks may draw more power than the router’s USB port supplies.
Treat this as a basic network share, not a full-featured or backup-grade NAS. Performance and suitability depend on the router’s CPU and RAM, its USB or eSATA connection, the drive and filesystem, SMB implementation, Ethernet link, and other workload. Without the exact router and setup, there is no sound speed estimate to give.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Consider WireGuard only after verifying router support
Some routers that can run OpenWrt may be suitable for a WireGuard server, but that possibility does not establish support on an unspecified retail router. OpenWrt’s WireGuard documentation is the place to check current setup requirements after confirming the exact model and revision are supported by a current build and have adequate resources. The router’s product name or a generic “VPN” feature does not by itself prove it can host a WireGuard server.
Rank #4
- 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞-𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕: Powered by Wi-Fi 7 technology, enjoy faster speeds with Multi-Link Operation, increased reliability with Multi-RUs, and more data capacity with 4K-QAM, delivering enhanced performance for all your devices.
- 𝐁𝐄𝟑𝟔𝟎𝟎 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫: Delivers up to 2882 Mbps (5 GHz), and 688 Mbps (2.4 GHz) speeds for 4K/8K streaming, AR/VR gaming & more. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance, and obstacles like walls.
- 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐆𝐢𝐠 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝟐.𝟓 𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟑×𝟏𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐋𝐀𝐍 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬: Maximize Gigabitplus internet with one 2.5G WAN/LAN port, one 2.5 Gbps LAN port, plus three additional 1 Gbps LAN ports. Break the 1G barrier for seamless, high-speed connectivity from the internet to multiple LAN devices for enhanced performance.
- 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭-𝐆𝐞𝐧 𝟐.𝟎 𝐆𝐇𝐳 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐝-𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫: Experience power and precision with a state-of-the-art processor that effortlessly manages high throughput. Eliminate lag and enjoy fast connections with minimal latency, even during heavy data transmissions.
- 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫 - Covers up to 2,000 sq. ft. for up to 60 devices at a time. 4 internal antennas and beamforming technology focus Wi-Fi signals toward hard-to-reach areas. Seamlessly connect phones, TVs, and gaming consoles.
There is no model-specific configuration or throughput figure established here. Verify current device support and instructions for your own hardware rather than assuming a setup recipe or performance level will transfer from another router.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Dual band router upgrades to 1200 Mbps high speed internet (300mbps for 2.4GHz plus 900Mbps for 5GHz), reducing buffering and ideal for 4K stream
- Full Gigabit Ports - Gigabit Router with 4 Gigabit LAN ports, ideal for any internet plan and allow you to directly connect your wired devices
- Boosted Coverage - Four external antennas equipped with Beamforming technology extend and concentrate the Wi-Fi signals
- MU-MIMO technology - (5GHz band) allows high speeds for multiple devices simultaneously
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
Choose the role that fits the network
| Use | Best fit | Main checks |
|---|---|---|
| Wired Wi-Fi access point | You can run Ethernet from the existing network to the old router. | LAN-to-LAN topology, reachable address, and only one DHCP server for the network. |
| Wireless repeater | You cannot run Ethernet and the router’s radio, driver, and upstream setup support the chosen mode. | Exact device compatibility; do not presume transparent bridging or seamless roaming. |
| USB file share | You need a modest home network share and the router supports the drive, filesystem, mounting, and SMB service. | Firmware and package space, drive power, expected workload, and performance limits. |
| WireGuard server | The exact hardware revision has current firmware support and enough resources for the intended use. | Current device-specific support and WireGuard configuration requirements; performance is model-dependent. |
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