How to use an old router as a network switch

If you have an old router that you no longer use, you could use it as a network switch. This will allow you to expand the number of available LAN ports in your home network without having to purchase a new device.

In this article, we'll show you how to configure your old router to use it as a network switch. We'll also explain the differences between a switch and a router, and how to choose which device is best suited for your networking needs.

Before you begin, make sure you have access to the web interface of your old router. If you're not sure how to access this interface, consult your device's user manual or search online for specific information about your router model.

What are a switch and a router?

Both a switch and a router are devices used in computer networks for connecting devices. However, there are some differences between the two devices.

• Switch: A switch is a device that connects different devices on the same local network (LAN). Switches are used to create a direct connection between devices on the same network without having to go through other network devices.
• Router: A router is a device that connects different networks together. Routers are used to route traffic between networks, such as the connection between your home network and the Internet.

It's important to understand these differences because they affect the choice of device that best suits your networking needs.

What is a network switch

A network switch is a device that allows you to connect multiple devices in a local network, allowing them to communicate with each other. A switch works by creating a direct connection between two devices on the network, without interfering with other connections.

In practice, a switch works like a street distributor: when a vehicle (i.e. a data packet) arrives at the intersection (i.e. the switch), the switch decides which road (i.e. which device) the vehicle should be directed to, based on the information contained in the data packet.

The switch is different from a router, which manages traffic between different networks. A switch only routes packets within the same local network.

How does a network switch work

A switch works by analyzing the MAC address of the received data packets and storing them in an internal table. The MAC address is a unique identifier assigned to each network card present in network devices.

When a switch receives a data packet from a device, it checks the table to see if it already knows the MAC address of the recipient. If so, it routes the packet directly to the recipient without sending it to all ports of the network. If not, the switch sends the packet to all ports except for the one from which it was received, so that the recipient can respond and allow the switch to update its table.

In this way, a switch reduces traffic on the local network and increases data transmission speed.

How to use an old router as a network switch

If you have an old router available, you can use it as a network switch by connecting devices to its LAN ports instead of the WAN port. This way, the router will function as a switch and allow you to expand your network without having to purchase a new device.

• Connect an Ethernet cable from the LAN port of your main router to the WAN port of the old router.
• Access the settings of the old router through a web browser and disable the DHCP function (which assigns IP addresses to devices on the network).
• Connect your devices to the LAN ports of the old router.

This way, the old router will work exactly like a network switch, allowing you to connect more devices to your local network without any problem.

How an old router works as a switch

An old router can be used as a network switch to expand Ethernet ports available in your home network. But how does it work exactly?

IP Address and DHCP

When the router is configured as a switch, its primary function of assigning IP addresses and DHCP protocol is disabled. This means that the router will no longer assign IP addresses to devices connected to the network.

Switching Function

Instead, the old router acts as a network switch that connects devices to each other. Each Ethernet port on the router is capable of transferring data to and from devices connected to it. In other words, the router is able to route data packets between devices on the same local network.

Port Configuration

To use an old router as a switch, you will need to manually configure the Ethernet ports. Usually, there are four ports on the back of the router that can be used as LAN ports. To do this, you need to access the web interface of the router and disable the DHCP function and IP address assignment.

• Connect your computer to the old router through one of its LAN ports.
• Access the web interface of the router by typing in the default IP address of the router in your web browser's address bar.
• Disable DHCP function and IP address assignment in the router settings.
• Configure LAN ports as a network switch. Usually, this option is found in advanced settings.

After configuring the old router as a switch, you can connect devices to the network using available LAN ports on the back of the router. This way, you will expand the number of Ethernet ports available in your home network without having to purchase a new network switch.

Configuring an Old Router as a Switch

To use an old router as a network switch, you need to configure it appropriately. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Connect the old router to your computer

Connect the old router to your computer using an Ethernet cable. Make sure the router is turned on and that the connection between the router and the computer is established.

Step 2: Access the router settings

Open a web browser on your computer and type in the IP address of the old router in the address bar. The default IP address of the router should be indicated in the user manual or on the bottom of the device. Once you have entered the IP address, press Enter to access the router settings.

Step 3: Disable DHCP function

In the router settings, look for "DHCP" option and disable it. This option assigns IP addresses to devices connected to the network, but since we are using the old router as a switch, we do not need this function.

Step 4: Configure LAN ports

In the router settings, look for "LAN Ports" or "Switch" option and configure it according to your needs. If you want to connect more devices to your new network switch, make sure to configure all LAN ports of the old router.

Step 5: Connect the old router to the new network switch

After properly configuring the old router as a switch, connect it to your new network switch using an Ethernet cable. Make sure that the connection is established and that all devices connected to the old router can now access the network.

• Note: If you are using an old wireless router as a switch, also disable the Wi-Fi function in the device settings to avoid interference with your new wireless router.

Conclusion

In conclusion, using an old router as a network switch can be an inexpensive and simple solution to expand your home network. However, it is important to carefully follow the instructions to properly configure the device.

Before proceeding with the configuration, make sure you have all necessary information about your network and main router settings. This way you will avoid connection or security issues.

Remember that using an old router as a switch will not improve your internet connection speed. If you are looking to increase your network speed, you may need to consider other solutions such as upgrading your main router or purchasing a high-performance network switch.

However, if you need more LAN ports to connect devices to your home network or want to create a separate network for your guests, using an old router as a switch can be a good option.

• Remember to disable DHCP function
• Connect the old router via one of its LAN ports to the main router

• Configure the Wi-Fi network name and password so as not to interfere with that of your main router
• Use only the LAN ports of the old router to connect devices to the network

By following these simple instructions, you can use an old router as a network switch and expand your home network without spending too much.