

Get expectations straight: It’s a router you’re using! There are a couple of things to keep in mind about using a router as a NAS server. How to best turn a Wi-Fi router USB port into a NAS server On top of that, you can use that public storage space for other applications, such as a backup destination (including Time Machine backup, in some cases,) PC-less downloading, or even a personal cloud. Similar to the case of printing, plugging an external hard drive into the router’s USB port can also make its storage available to the entire network. This feature is, by far, the most common and useful. Picking the right external storage device is the first step to turning a Wi-Fi router USB port into a mini NAS server. Make sure you check the manual to know which one to get. Note that a router with this feature only supports specific cellular modems. A cellular connection is a great way to have a backup Internet when your broadband service, like DSL or cable, is down. This feature allows the router to host a cellular USB modem and share the mobile Internet with the entire network. Some new Wi-Fi routers don’t offer the print serving feature anymore, though many still do. Nowadays, those with a built-in network port or Wi-Fi are commonplace. There’s no need to buy a printer for each person anymore.įive or six years ago, this feature was a big deal since printers at the time were mostly USB-only. Connect a USB printer to this port, and it’s now available to the entire network. Print serving is the original function of a router USB port. Not every Wi-Fi router has a USB port, but if yours happens to have one, chances are you can use it for (at least one of) the following: Host that (old) printer What’s the use of a Wi-Fi router USB port? Best USB-enabled routers that can work as a NAS server.Accessing your router-based mini NAS server on a Mac.Accessing your router-based mini NAS server on a Windows computer.How to access your router-based NAS server.Get expectations straight: It’s a router you’re using!.How to best turn a Wi-Fi router USB port into a NAS server.

What’s the use of a Wi-Fi router USB port?.
