How to Build a WiFi Extender Without WPS: A Comprehensive Guide

Building a WiFi extender without WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is entirely possible with the right tools and steps. In this article, we will guide you through two methods: using a spare router and using a Raspberry Pi. Both options offer a cost-effective and customizable way to extend your WiFi network coverage without the need for WPS. Let's dive in!

Method 1: Using a Spare Router

Using a spare router to build a WiFi extender is a straightforward solution, but it requires careful consideration of router compatibility and configuration. Here are the steps:

Check Compatibility

Ensure your spare router can function as a repeater or access point. Look for features like repeater mode, access point mode, or bridge mode. This ensures the router can be set up correctly to extend your network.

Reset the Router

To avoid configuration issues, reset the spare router to factory settings. Instructions for this vary by model, but often involve holding the reset button for a few seconds or accessing the recovery mode.

Connect to the Router

Connect your computer to the spare router using an Ethernet cable. Access the router's settings by entering its IP address into a web browser, usually something like 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.

Configure the Router

Login

Enter the admin credentials, which are often found on the router or in the manual.

Change the IP Address

Set a static IP address for the spare router that is within the range of your main router but outside its DHCP range to avoid IP conflicts. For example, if your main router's IP address is 192.168.1.1, you can set the spare router to 192.168.1.2.

Disable DHCP

Turn off the DHCP server on the spare router to prevent it from assigning IP addresses.

Set Up Wireless Settings

Go to the wireless settings section. Set the SSID network name to be the same as your main network, or create a new one if you want to differentiate. Use the same security type (e.g., WPA2) and password as your main WiFi network.

Connect the Routers

Option 1: Wired

Connect the spare router to the main router using an Ethernet cable.

Option 2: Wireless

If your router supports it, set the spare router to connect to the main router wirelessly (this is sometimes called client mode).

Reboot the Router

Restart the spare router to apply the changes.

Test the Connection

Disconnect the Ethernet cable (if used) and test the connection by connecting a device to the newly configured WiFi network.

Method 2: Using a Raspberry Pi

For those who prefer a DIY approach, using a Raspberry Pi is a powerful option. This method can be more complex but offers greater flexibility and customization. Here are the steps:

Requirements

A Raspberry Pi with WiFi capability Raspbian OS or any suitable Linux distribution Access to the main router's settings

Set Up Raspberry Pi

Install Raspbian on the Raspberry Pi. Connect the Raspberry Pi to your network via Ethernet or WiFi.

Install Hostapd and Dnsmasq

Open a terminal and run:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install hostapd dnsmasq

Configure Dnsmasq

Backup the original configuration:

sudo mv

Create a new configuration file:

sudo nano

Add the following lines, adjusting as necessary:

interfacewlan0 Use the wireless interface
dhcp-range192.168.1.50,192.168.1.150,255.255.255.0,24h

Configure Hostapd

Create a new configuration file:

sudo nano

Add the following, changing the SSID and password as needed:

interfacewlan0
drivernl80211
ssidYourNetworkName
hw_modeg
channel6
wmm_enabled0
(macaddr_acl0
auth_algs1
ignore_broadcast_ssid0
wpa2
wpa_passphraseYourPassword
rpopup_pairwiseCCMP

Edit the Hostapd Defaults

Edit the hostapd defaults file:

sudo nano /etc/default/hostapd

Change the line to point to your configuration:

DAEMON_CONF""

Set Up IP Forwarding

Enable IP forwarding by editing:

sudo nano

Uncomment or add:

net.ipv4.ip_forward1

Apply the changes:

sudo sysctl -p

Configure the Network Interfaces

Edit the interfaces file:

sudo nano /etc/network/interfaces

Add the following:

auto wlan0
iface wlan0 inet dhcp

Start Services

Restart the services:

sudo systemctl start hostapd
sudo systemctl start dnsmasq

Reboot the Raspberry Pi

Restart to ensure all settings take effect.

Final Steps

After completing either method, check your devices for the new network and connect to it. Ensure you have a good signal strength in the areas where you want to extend coverage.

This process should help you successfully create a WiFi extender without using WPS. If you encounter issues, refer to the router’s or Raspberry Pi’s documentation for troubleshooting tips.