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Over the years, we have collected new routers each time we switch supplier. I'm looking at a pile I just found in a cupboard.
Sky hub
O2 router
Netgear DG834G
Vodafone suresignal
Belkin wireless G desktop card.
I have two question.
Do any of these pose a security risk?
Are they of any use or value to anyone or will they only work in very specific circumstances?
Zero security risk while they're unplugged.
Probably of no value, unless someone on here needs one to replace something.
They should work with just about any ADSL connection. A few ISPs lock the routers, so they don't work with another connection, but most don't. Usually they are just generic routers, even if they are rebranded.
If you don't want to use it as a router, it could still be useful as a hub/switch or wireless access point.
For security risks, check whether it has your username/password saved on it anywhere. There should be an option to reset it to default settings. Maybe a tiny reset button to press with a paperclip.
About the only security risk I can think of is if you've reused the Wi-Fi password between old and current, and even then it's hard to see how that would be much use to anyone. Of course, if you were daft enough to use the same password for wireless as you do for email, online banking etc then that might be an issue.
I'd either take them to the [s]tip[/s] recycling centre or see if you can get a few pennies for them on ebay. I doubt resale value of any of them would be particularly high though (I've just looked for that DG834G and there's a handful up for 99p with 0 bids).
Cheers folks, we've kept the same username and password so that connected devices didn't need resetting but we don't use that username and password for anything else. Recycling bin for the lot then I guess.
Not sure what a hub/switch or wireless access point would do for me so I assume that means I don't need one/it/them.
we've kept the same username and password so that connected devices didn't need resetting
Do you just change the SSID instead then?
Yes, I think so. Never stuck with the default settings they provide.
(can you tell that IT isn't my thing?)
(can you tell that IT isn't my thing?)
Not really, most people don't change the SSID, they just plod through devices as and when they fail to connect, entering the new password. PS, Xbox, Smart TV, a couple of PCs, a couple of tablets, a few phones, Network Media Streamer, YouView box, a Roku or 2...you get my drift!
Domestic Wi-Fi doesn't have a username, just a password (of sorts).
That SSID must be what I was thinking of as a username. I know there's two parts to hooking up a new device.
The EE Brightbox routers will work as a wireless bridge to your main router with a little bodging. It's the same manufacturer / chipset as Plusnet and BY so I assume you can do the same with those.
Use the WAN connection, set it to bridging mode and copy the wireless details from your main router, and you've doubled your wireless coverage.