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If you recently upgraded to a mesh router system with multiple nodes or simply upgraded to a newer, faster router, you no longer technically need the old one. Usually, that leads to folks packing them away in a closet or drawer only to collect dust. But you can actually make use of that old router in several interesting ways. The most notable option is to turn it into a sort-of node of its own — or rather, a Wi-Fi extender — to help increase signal strength in certain areas of your home. It's pretty easy to do, too.

You should know going in that you have a couple of options for how to set this up. Most routers, like older models from Linksys, Netgear, and TP-Link, have stock settings to turn the device into an extender. If that's available, it's the ideal way to go.…