Using Ethernet cables is the most natural way to connect devices, as they serve to maintain a more stable connection compared to WiFi. But you should keep in mind that in some models there is the possibility of using a USB portand almost no one knows what it is used for and what its functions are.
Maybe you have bought a new device and put conventional connections on it, which is normal, although you would be wasting the advantages that this input offers. It not only works to connect printers, peripherals or charge your smartphone and tablet, but also to share network storage using an external hard drive.
Yes, you can literally use a cable to put in an SSD or HDD and have more space to store what you needsimilar to what you can get from platforms like Google Drive or OneDrive, but without paying a subscription or registering accounts.
Would you like to learn how to use this section? It could become one of the most useful features of your router if you use it properly for your phone or computer files.
Your router could serve as a NAS if you just use the USB port
You have probably never used that USB port on your router and most users do not even care to know what it is for, because it is not really essential. However, one of the coolest things it offers is that you have the possibility of using it as if it were a NAS device.
With a (preferably) high-capacity USB flash drive or external hard drive, you can make the WiFi router transform into a private cloud or space in which you can share files between the different devices connected to the network. It becomes really useful for situations where you lack space and do not want to have an accessory connected to your PC or smartphone.
Do you need to save photos, videos and important documents? Then it’s time for you to consider using this method to do not depend on the Internet or paid memberships which could become a headache.
It may sound complicated to do, but the good thing is that you can access the router interface through the IP address “192.168.1.1” or “192.168.0.1”. Once you have logged in, you have to connect external hard drive to router and wait for the light on your side to turn on.
In the user administrator menu you have to look for a USB Storage or File Server section. At this point, you should find Samba mode (SMB) and FTPwhich are used to share files over a local network or in remote access from another computer, respectively.
Now, you should configure the devices and users that can have permission to manipulate these elements. In most interfaces, you have the ability to share folders or directories so that documents can be transferred from one device to another directly.
The idea is that all the devices you have connected to the Wi-Fi network can view hard drive network drive connected to the router and use it as if it were cloud storage. That is, copy and paste or move files to this space. On the other hand, the transfer speed will also depend a lot on the USB cable used and the quality of the router.
Why should you take advantage of this entry on your router?
This not only allows you to save everything you need and save GB, but also to make it a multifunctional center with a mini folder desk. From here you could use documents to print wirelessly or even update the device’s firmware for increased security.
Other advantages are that It will not be necessary to pay additional services or modify the PC hardware so that you have greater comfort when using too many elements that require high weight.
It is definitely a benefit that you should take advantage of if you have a WiFi router with a USB port and an external drive ready to use. Oh really, It will save you a lot of trouble in the future..