I thought I would share my latest project with you all, seeing that it might have some use for you. Enjoy!
The following guide will tell you how to power a router via a single usb port. Of course, I have to have the standard disclaimer: I take no responsibility for any actions that are a direct result of reading the following post. Read and follow directions AT YOUR OWN RISK! Now, on with the guide:
0. WHY ARE WE EVEN DOING THIS?
What is the purpose of being able to power a router via a usb port? It doesnt seem like a very good use of your time, does it? No? That's what I thought. But having the ability to set up a wifi network where there is no accessible A/C outlet has its uses. One of them is being able to keep multiple devices connected together while on the go, which has proved handy in the past. Another reason is if you are out on a computer repair job, and you need to provide internet access to both your laptop and the computer that you are repairing, but only have one outlet on the power strip available, and you need to use it for your laptop, then you can plug in the router to your machine and you are good to go. The list goes on. You might find a reason for this that I have not thought of. It is a good thing to have around, and it doesn't take much time to build. Overall, it's a good investment of your time. Let's get started!
1. WHAT YOU WILL NEED.
To power a router via usb, you are basically going to need to construct a power cable that has a USB A connection on one end (the end that plugs into your computer), and a power plug that fits your router. Either salvage both of the connections from old cables and adapters you have lying around (that's what I did), or go and buy any USB cable and a power adapter that fits your router (voltage and amperage dont matter for the adapter; we're not going to be using the transformer part of it anyway. We just need the cable). You will also need a router with a voltage and amperage regulator. The voltage output of a USB port is 5 volts, and a router (at least the one I used) is 12 volts, yet it still works perfectly). The router I used was the Linksys WRT160N. You'll also need electrical tape for the final steps (You can get that at any hardware store) That covers the parts list. Onto the build.
2. THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CABLE
First, cut both the USB and the power adapter cable so that you have about 4 feet of cable total. Using scissors, a razor, wire strippers, or whatever sharp object is handy, strip both leads on the power adapter cable. Strip the leads on the segment of cable that has the socket that plugs into the router! Next, strip the outer rubber coating and the tin foil insulation on the USB cable away and expose the four wires inside. There should be a green, a white, a red, and a black wire. Strip the red and black wires. On the power supply cable, find which lead is positive, and which is negative. The positive should be indicated by a dotted line on one of the leads. Twist the red wire on the USB cable and the positive lead on the power supply cable together. Twist the unmarked cable on the power supply cable and the back wire from the USB cable together. Now, wrap electrical tape around each of the connections you just made. Fold the leads so that they are parallel to the cable, and wrap electrical tape around the entire connection site. The final product should look like the one shown below.
And there you go, hope this helps all who read this!
Tekgek
