Configure a "spare router"

Installing and Using OpenWrt
1

We all have a pile of older routers that we're no longer using. But what to do with them? You could pass them along to friends/family or even donate them to the local thrift store. But first you must solve a big problem...

Read the README for more info....

I'd welcome comments on the settings/packages/documentation. Thanks

2

Great idea.

I thought of this months ago while deactivating a very old Netgear WNR2000v4 running a custom build of OpenWRT 19.

I actually resetted it but set it up according to the actual label:

  • The http://routerlogin.net hostname
  • The default admin and password
  • The default WiFi and password instead of "OpenWRT"

So, if I gave up that router (I couldn't sell anything that old with 4/32MB), the new owner should only look at the default label and could set up the router easily.

Cheers!

2 Likes
3

@el_charlie You raise interesting points:

  • Re-using the credentials printed on the label is clever. It removes the risk posed by the label falling off. But it makes the "spare router" configuration process more of a hassle, and introduces the risk of mistyping. I'd be curious to hear what others think...

About old devices

  • First off, a 4/32 device doesn't have a lot of CPU horsepower. Is it even useful in a modern context? (Especially with widespread availability of US$30-40 devices that are much more powerful?)

  • Second, I don't entirely understand how much of a threat old firmware poses. Clearly, 19.xx is not ever going to be patched against modern attacks. And the old firmware is not likely to have some of the performance upgrades (SQM, Wifi drivers to minimize bufferbloat)

So I wonder if it even makes sense to try to reuse such old equipment... Or would we be "buying a headache" for the recipient? Again, I would like to hear what others say...

4

Yeah, I was using this router as a wireless repeater. It barely did the job. And yes, I couldn't charge anyone for such an old device. I have it in case of an emergency or to give it away for free.

But I set it up using the default sticker beause it could be easier for someone that hasn't used OpenWRT yet. At least it could connect to the internet and set it up eventually.