Question from Artie L.: I recently bought a used Linksys WRT54G router for a whopping $2 at a yard sale.
It seems to be working ok because it lights up and I can see a new Wi-Fi network on my laptop after I turn it on.
I’d like to disable the existing Wi-Fi network and use this router as a 4 port switch.
The problem is I didn’t get any kind of documentation with the router so I don’t have a clue about how to disable the Wi-Fi.
Rick’s answer: Hi Artie. I love that little WRT54G because it’s the first wireless router I ever owned!
It’s a virtual dinosaur as routers go, but it should serve you well as a simple Ethernet switch assuming it’s still in working order with no hardware issues.
The first thing you need to do is reset the router back to its factory default settings by following the steps below:
1 – Plug the router into an electrical outlet and wait for it to finish booting up.
2 – Turn the router around so you can see the back panel.
3 – Press and hold the reset button for a full 30 seconds (the user manual says to hold it for 5 seconds, but sometimes it can take longer to complete the reset for some reason). The router should now be in its factory default state.
Now, follow the steps below to disable wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity:
1 – Launch your favorite web browser and type 192.168.1.1 into the address bar.
2 – Log in to router’s control panel. (Leave the username field blank and enter admin for the password.)
3 – Navigate to Wireless>Basic Wireless Settings and select Disabled from the “Wireless Network Mode” drop-down menu.
4 – Save your changes and close your browser.
I hope this helps, Artie. Good luck!
Oh, and by the way, if you still need it you’ll find an online version of the Linksys WRT54G user manual right here.
Update from Artie: Thank’s Rick!
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