Would someone comment on USB hard drive capabilties of this router? Can a usb hard drive be used as a network drive? Is it easy to set up?
1677383
I didn't find these answers or the setup instructions helpful. Yes, you set the settings to share and add the files. But that did nothing until I added FTP server. Then my problem was getting my laptop to find it. The key in Win7 was to Add Network Drive but then tell Windows it's an alternative connection method "such as FTP" and then add FTP:tplinklogin.net and then use admin as login and admin as password. Then I could read and write to it.
1677384
Simple and straight forward setup. Everything is in the router's settings page.There is a section for USB settings, you select how you want the USB port configured (In your case it would be "storage sharing"). When you select that, the options will appear to start the service and name it etc.If you make any changes after you've been using it, you will need to reboot the router.But it's very simple to setup.. takes less than 2 mins.
1677385
Seems to be limited to USB2.0. Also as someone already noticed it doesn't seem to support large external drives. I wasn't able to get either of my 3TB drives to work. All usb thumbdrives worked though.
1677386
Yes, you can use a thumb drive or a hard drive on the router as a network drive Follow the instructions in the setup and you will have it up and running in no time. You can assign read only or read write to the drive as well as password access.You can find more detailed information on the manufacturers website.Hope this helps.
1677387
Yes, in the back of this router there's a USB jax, I haven't used this router for that purpose, butvi have purchased this router and hooked it up to my wireless systems, setup is a breeze, it just requires you to first use your computer to enter a start-up disc, then a how to menu will show the rest....
1677388
BE CAREFUL! this router DOES NOT support 3T hard drives, since it only works with MBR partitions, and HDs with over 2T are GPT. Im having this problem with my WD 3T external HD, and im trying to contact TP, to see if there is any alternative to partitioning MBR (id loose about 1T of disk space thus transforming a 3T HD into 2T) Hope this helps
1677389
BE CAREFUL! this router DOES NOT support 3T hard drives, since it only works with MBR partitions, and HDs with over 2T are GPT. Im having this problem with my WD 3T external HD, and im trying to contact TP, to see if there is any alternative to partitioning MBR (id loose about 1T of disk space thus transforming a 3T HD into 2T)Hope this helps
1550772
Unfortunately, the USB is set up to access a Hard drive, not the network. There is an Ethernet port on the back that requires HARD-WIRED to a router or hub.
1122973
How do you have this hooked up to the unit? If USB, make sure that you don't have an internal drive in the unit. If Ethernet, have you logged on to the NAS? Have you shared the shares? - Does the AIOS have the permissions to see them?
102419
It supports read/write, so it should handle this, but you are not likely to get blazing speed. Plus you are paying extra for the built-in battery & wi-fi. If your interest is mainly for backups, then I would consider adding a USB drive to your router or looking at other options geared toward backup. The main purpose of this drive is to provide drive access on the go. BTW, another drive in this category is the Kingston Wi-Drive, which typically runs around $50 for the 32GB model. It does essentially the same thing as this Patriot drive, just smaller and less space -- and a lot cheaper.
2072195
Typically, you use the USB port to connect the router to the Internet and then other devices connect via WiFi to access the Internet and the USB shared storage. As for the scenario you described, I doubt it will work...
917085
yes. just plug the HardDrive or USB stick to the USB port on the router and turn file sharing on from configuration
887954
This drive is very slow. I'd look elsewhere. possibly one with a usb port as well to pull data off if you forget the network admin password. I wouldnt bother with this.
1232670
I don't think the USB port can provide enough power to run a hard drive. You might end up having slow rpms on your HD, therefore decreasing performance. If it's not plugged on the network, best way out is to plug a big-fat flash drive with your movies.
568190
Yes. If you are at all tech savvy, you can hook this up to your home network and then open the port on your router so that you can access this drive from the internet. I haven't done this yet myself but I do know it is possible. Search the web or some forums for ways to access your home network remotely.
1414796
Setup works exactly as any other router/access point. Via LAN or WiFi interface. USB is only used for power.
1281099
Well I tried connecting a drive to the router. Works fine. You'll need the PDF manual found online (not in my box or CD) to set it up. You'll probably not figure it out without it. I connected a WD320 as well as a WD500 through a 5-port passive stick hub. The router sees both drives and labels them Drive 1 and Drive 2. You have plenty of options to customize directories as well as protect who gets access to them. You can also indidually assign passwords to users and assign access to guests. The drives I plugged in already have data on them. There is an option to format the drive when you plug it in. Make sure you do NOT do this because you will lose any/all information on the drive itself. Transfer speed is fairly consistent to other NAS out there. The Linksys E3000 does keep a listing of the master directory and can peruse it on an user inputted basis to keep the directory updated. When you access the drive of course you will have the lag associated with the drive itself starting up. Watching movies streamed from either drive via wireless N was pretty good with only a hiccup or two over an hour show. I'm sure YMMV over distance you are from the router. My router is downstairs at the front of my house. Unbelievably, I get 5 bars upstairs at the rear of the residence - not like that WRT110 or WRT600N. On a side note, I can only acquire 130mbps, not the 300 advertised on the box. I was getting 300 through my WRT600N and WRT110N routers. Perhaps thats an issue to take up with Linksys Tech Support (oh boy..) Other than that good router overall. I paid $194.38 at Staples last week. They may see it returned shortly. The same router is a much better deal here on Amazon than here. If you need networked attached storage, this is a good router to purchase.
1160027
I have not personally tried, but I have hooked external drives and thumb drives with no issues. Both were WiFi cabable and the drive was of a usb3.0 variety.
1619264
This works good. I had no problem with the setup. I also like the you can attach an external usb drive and share on your network.
1563347
This has only USB 3.0 and esata. I would recommend this as I have 2 NAS box from IOMEGA, and transfer rate is very low, I have cisco EA6500 with Gig port. I am getting speed not more than 10 mbps. Instead if I connect this device to the router, It does the same, with USB 2.0 and gives 15-20 mbps. I am not sure for what purpose you need ethernet.
1666611
it supports USB drives it should be fine. But you need to make sure your router is compatible with ready share. The list of routers is here http://www.netgear.com.au/readyshare
941919
You can find answers about this router and its brother, the F7D8301 at Belkin's website. The only difference is the other has 2 USB ports. Works great for adding a external USB printer or HDD. Although, security options on these routers is a little weak compared to comparable routers the price is good and there hasn't been an update on the firmware for several years.
1649757
Sorry, but I don't know. I did try to add a USB drive and the router forgot about it's internal drive. I just had nothing but bad luck with this router. I still say I give WD 5 stars on their drives, but I don't think they should be in the router business.