I've just realised I have 4+ modems I no longer use, ranging from unused Optus Sagem NBN-modem through to used Optus Netcomm cable modem/Exetel ZTE modem. My new Tp-Link VR600V does away with any need for a repeater so they are just taking up space - is there anywhere you can donate or recycle them so I can feel good about myself rather than selling them on Ebay for next to nothing?
What to do with old modems?
knasty on 07/08/2020 - 15:07
Comments
Offer it for free in Gumtree. Someone may have a use for it.
I've been burned by offering free stuff on Gumtree before. "Yeah I'll come around at around [X] time to pick it up…." and never arrives. I even had that with a whole kitchen's worth of cabinets where a family arrived, said yeah we'll come back with a ute and then never showed. Giving it away centrally no questions asked would be my preference if possible.
For free pick up it's a case of "I'll leave it outside for you … if someone happens to nab it before you get to it, not my problem".
I've experienced the same before. Nothing creepier than a buyer not showing up after getting my address. Depending on the item, these days I always insist to meet at my local Coles which is 3 mins drive away.
My answer to that is only give street address (if in a complex) or street name (and specified to your street if it's a long street) and tell them to contact you when there're there. For small item, meet them at their car. Otherwise, escort them in and out quickly.
Alternatively, sell for real chip (even if it's just $10). If someone has to pay something for it, they're more likely to be genuine.
And don't hold anything for anyone (unless they've paid a deposit) - i.e. it's always first come best dressed
& the final rule is never to wait around for them - i.e. only have them coming round when I'm gonna be home anyway so that it doesn't really hurt me if they don't turn up.
Many councils recycle electronics for free.
You can actually use them as a switch but I use one as an extender (connected to a powerline adapter)
I can get 50Mbps in the farthest corner of my house using the 5Ghz band with only 2 bars on my Samsung so no real need for an extender but 100% agree it would be the best use if it wasn't the case.
Fair enough
Might be able to flash a custom firmware onto it and use it as a VPN server (i.e so you can connect to your home network outside of home and access resources. e.g. NAS) Highly dependant on the make and model of course
if its a modem router, not if its a pure modem hardware….
keep them as spare when your main modem broke you will be coming here at ozb asking "my modem broke i need new modem please find me good deal"
If you have no further use for it and can't sell it, Harvey Norman, Officeworks and probably more offer electronic waste recycling.
My local Bunnings has electrical goods recycling bins, just outside the entrance. Check with yours?
Ring up the local Op shop and see if they will accept them.
Wifi extenders in your house. I have 3 giving 4 bars in every room and a good radius outside when in the garden.