> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://itsfoss.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # How I Turned my Raspberry Pi into a Wi-Fi extender - URL: https://itsfoss.com/raspberry-pi-wifi-extender/ - Published: 2024-12-14T05:28:30.000Z - Updated: 2024-12-14T05:28:30.000Z - Description: Here is how I re-purposed my Raspberry Pi to a Wi-Fi extender! A good way to spend your weekend with your Raspberry Pi. - Author: Abhishek Kumar - Tags: Raspberry Pi Whether you live in a large house or just struggle with weak Wi-Fi signals in certain rooms, you may have thought — *“How can I extend my Wi-Fi range without breaking the bank?”* Well, that was certainly the case with me when I visited my parents’ house during a recent vacation. They have only one router set up on the ground floor, and my room is up on the first floor. Faced with spotty coverage, I had an idea: why not put my old Raspberry Pi 3B+ to good use as a Wi-Fi extender? Yes, it is possible to do that 🤯 Let me show you how to use Raspberry Pi as a Wi-Fi extender in this tutorial. 📋 I understand that it probably makes more sense to use a used or cheap router for extending Wi-Fi. Still, it is a little project to [explore the capabilities of your Raspberry Pi](https://itsfoss.com/raspberry-pi-projects/). You learn new things while exploring. At least that's what I believe. ## Here's what you require - **Raspberry Pi** – I used my Pi 3B+, but you can use any model with built-in Wi-Fi. - **USB Wi-Fi dongle** – While the built-in Wi-Fi module will work for newer models, you will still need an additional USB Wi-Fi adapter to set up as a hotspot. It needs to have support for Access Point mode as well. - **Raspberry Pi OS** – I recommend installing the latest version, as it has Network Manager, which simplifies the setup. I [SSH'd into my Pi](https://itsfoss.com/ssh-into-raspberry/), but you can definitely use a monitor & keyboard. ## Setting up the Raspberry Pi It is essential that Pi connects to your main Wi-Fi network and then broadcasts that connection to extend coverage. #### Preparing the Raspberry Pi 1. Make sure that your Raspberry Pi is up-to-date. Connect it to your main network and update it using the following commands: ```bash sudo apt update sudo apt upgrade ``` - These commands will fetch the latest package lists and upgrade any out-of-date packages, ensuring your Pi is ready for the task. - After updating, check if you’re connected to the Wi-Fi you wish to extend. If not, go to the Raspberry Pi’s Wi-Fi settings and connect to it. #### Getting the Wi-Fi interface name Now, you’ll need to identify the names of your Wi-Fi interfaces so we can configure them correctly. 1. Run the command below to see a list of network devices: ```bash iwconfig ``` Look for two Wi-Fi devices, typically labeled `wlan0` and `wlan1`. ![a screenshot for the iwconfig output in the terminal](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2024/11/iwconfig-command-1.png) 1. To check if the WiFi card/ dongle can act as an access point, use the following command, replacing `` with the respective interface like `wlan1`: ```bash nmcli -f WIFI-PROPERTIES.AP device show ``` If you see `WIFI-PROPERTIES.AP: yes`, you’re all set. Otherwise, you may need a different Wi-Fi dongle that supports AP mode. ![a screenshot to the command checking if the wifi adapter supports ap mode or not](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2024/11/nmcli-wifi-ap-mode-properties.png) #### Configuring the Raspberry Pi as a Wi-Fi Extender Using Network Manager, it is surprisingly straightforward to set up the Pi as an extender. Execute the following command: ```bash sudo nmcli d wifi hotspot ifname ssid password ``` Replace the following: - `` with the interface that supports AP mode in my case `wlan0` - `` with the network name you want for your extended Wi-Fi, and - `` with your chosen password. This command places the Pi’s first Wi-Fi adapter into hotspot mode, which effectively extends your Wi-Fi network. ![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2024/11/setting-up-wifi-hotspot-nmcli.png) To verify that the hotspot is up and running, run: ```bash nmcli con show ``` Look for a connection labeled “Hotspot” associated with your second Wi-Fi adapter (`wlan0`). ![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2024/11/checking-the-hotspot.png) You should now see your Raspberry Pi broadcasting a new Wi-Fi network! ### Testing your Wi-Fi Extender After setting everything up, it’s time to test. Connect a device to the extended Wi-Fi network you just created (phone, laptop, etc.) . Check if it provides consistent internet access and if the range now reaches the previously weak areas. This will help verify that your extender is working correctly. ![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2024/11/windows-wifi-pane-1.png) I have also connected my phone with it: ![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2024/11/samsung-wifi-settings-1.jpg) #### Troubleshooting Common Issues 1. **Cannot Connect to the Extended Network**: If you’re unable to connect to the new network, the issue may lie with *Protected Management Frames* (PMF), a security feature some adapters don’t fully support. Disable it with the following command: ```bash sudo nmcli con modify Hotspot wifi-sec.pmf disable ``` 1. **Slow Internet Speeds**: Remember, you may notice some drop in speed. This is because data travels to your Pi over Wi-Fi, and then gets retransmitted, effectively halving the available bandwidth. ## Conclusion Transforming my old Raspberry Pi into a Wi-Fi extender was a rewarding project. After moving into my parents’ home temporarily (don't judge me, it's common in my country), it quickly solved the issue of spotty Wi-Fi upstairs. The best part? This project gives a new purpose to older tech. Not only does it expand your Wi-Fi range without costly hardware, but it is also a fun DIY task that deepens your understanding of networking basics. Although I did notice some speed reduction, I found it worth it for reliable coverage in a previously unreachable area. Speaking of putting older tech to some good use, let me share another fun project I did to transform my old Wi-Fi dongle into a wireless traffic capture device. [How I Used Monitor Mode on TP-Link WN722N for FunHere’s a little demo of using monitor mode to capture wireless traffic and use it to your advantage.![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192-161.png)It's FOSSAbhishek Kumar![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/thumbnail/monitor-mode-1.png)](https://itsfoss.com/monitor-mode-fun/) *💭 Share your thoughts about my experiment in the comments below!*