Make Router Receive Wi-Fi

[mreccentric]

I'm having couple of old routers which i want to use to receive a Wi-Fi hotspot, and then connect to a computer using LAN port. In simple words, i don't have LAN cable that can be used for such a distance (Bridge Mode) to make the router be used as repeater. So, i'm thinking to use my old router to catch a Wi-Fi signal and connect the internet through an ethernet cable.

The point is because the USB Wi-Fi dongle isn't catching the signal well. Can i hack the router firmware and do something like that?

 

[voyagerfan99]

What model routers do you have? DD-WRT is a firmware that can be flashed on routers to allow them to act as wireless receivers.

 

[mreccentric]

I have ZTE F670L router. I am currently using it as repeater with LAN extension through Bridge Mode. Need to use it as Wireless repeater (without LAN cable for extension).

 

[voyagerfan99]

Looks like that model is not supported by DD-WRT or OpenWRT. It's not mainstream enough so you'll probably be out of luck

 

[mreccentric]

I see. I did check the DD-WRT website. It didn't seem to be there. In fact, the brand it self was not available.
Should check for other ones in the closet, while i left one few years ago at my accommodation in Dubai while i was an Expat.

The USB WiFi dongle currently been used seems to be giving heat issues, and sometimes a burnt smell. Need a device to make my desktop connect to WiFi, since it doesn't have inbuilt capabilities. Please do reply with such matching devices if possible.

Thanks for the inputs.

 

[voyagerfan99]

Just buy a PCI-e wireless card.

Examples

https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Bluetooth-Wireless-Browsing-Streaming/dp/B084JPFKQ5/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1OLFAYDEGD918&keywords=pcie%2Bwireless%2Bcard&qid=1692101632&sprefix=pcie%2Bwireless%2Bcard%2Caps%2C101&sr=8-1&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/Pce-AX58BT-Next-Gen-Wireless-Adapter-Bluetooth/dp/B07XLP199J/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1OLFAYDEGD918&keywords=pcie%2Bwireless%2Bcard&qid=1692101632&sprefix=pcie%2Bwireless%2Bcard%2Caps%2C101&sr=8-4&th=1

 

[mreccentric]

I see. Didn't know that these type of cards are available too. Let me know if these can get connected to Wi-Fi better than USB dongles. Because, the USB dongles don't find the Access Point if i connect it to the rear USB port.

Again, are all PCI-E Network cards wireless in nature?

 

[beers]

Rear USB kinda sucks because it's stuffed down in wherever. If you have a USB extension cable and can snake it up to the top of your desk or something, usually a better result.

 

[voyagerfan99]

Again, are all PCI-E Network cards wireless in nature?

No, you need to get a PCI-e wireless card. Because you can also buy ethernet cards. So just be sure whatever card you choose says it is wireless.

 

[mreccentric]

@beers For that i need to find a suitable USB cable (with copper core). I have tried with cheap ones, and the result was not good. This was because the cheap cables didn't support high data rates.

@voyagerfan99 Now, i will either buy a 30 Meter LAN cable and extend it from the Original router. Or get a Wireless Network PCI-E card.