How to Use a Router As a Switch

Last Updated: July 27, 2020

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

1
Plug the router into an open power outlet. 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.
2
Hold the reset button on the switch-router for 30 seconds. 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.
- 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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3
Connect a crossover cable to the LAN/Ethernet port on your active internet router to the LAN/Ethernet port on the switch-router.
- On the switch-router, the "WAN" or "Internet" ports will not be used, so make sure nothing is connected by mistake.
4
Connect your computer to the switch-router using an ethernet cable. 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.
- 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.
5
Type the switch-router's IP address in a web browser to access its settings. By default, the router's IP address is usually 192.168.1.1'. This will take you to login page.
6
Log in to the switch-router's configuration page. On many routers, the default username is "admin" and the password is usually "admin" or "password".
- Consult the user's manual or do a Google search for your router's model number to find the default login information.
7
Change the switch-router's IP address. 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.
- 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.
8
Disable the DHCP Server. 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.
9
On the switch-router, change the Gateway mode (NAT On) to Router mode (NAT off).
10
Disable wireless broadcast on the switch router. This will ensure your network is more secure.
- Be sure to disable any Firewall protection on the switch-router as well, such as SPI.
11
Save the settings and exit the configuration page. 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.