How to Use a Router As a Switch

Co-authored by Luigi Oppido and Travis Boylls

Last Updated: September 27, 2024 Fact Checked

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.

Using a Router as a Switch

Plug an unused router into an open power outlet and hold its reset button for 30 seconds.
Connect a crossover cable between this router and your active internet router.
Use an ethernet cable to connect your computer to the router you’re turning into a switch.
Type the router’s IP address into a web browser and log in to the configuration page.
Change the router’s IP address to something like 192.168.1.2.
Disable the DHCP server and change the Gateway mode to Router Mode (NAT off).
Disable wireless broadcast then save the settings and exit.

Steps

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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.
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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.^{[1]
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- 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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Connect a crossover cable to the LAN/Ethernet port on your active internet router to the LAN/Ethernet port on the switch-router.^{[2]
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- On the switch-router, the "WAN" or "Internet" ports will not be used, so make sure nothing is connected by mistake.
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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.^{[3]
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- 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.
By default, the router's IP address is usually 192.168.1.1'. This will take you to login page.
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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".^{[4]
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- Consult the user's manual or do a Google search for your router's model number to find the default login information.
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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.^{[5]
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- 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.
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.^{[6]
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Disable wireless broadcast on the switch router. This will ensure your network is more secure.^{[7]
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- Be sure to disable any Firewall protection on the switch-router as well, such as SPI.
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.