How to connect a router to an external hard drive: Step by step guide
Connecting an external hard drive to our router may seem like a complex task, but with the right guide, it is a simple and very beneficial process. Being able to access your files from any device connected to your home network is an advantage that will pleasantly surprise you.
In this article, you’ll learn step-by-step how to connect a router to an external hard drive, and not only that, but also how to set up and access your files efficiently, whether from your PC, your smartphone or even remotely. Ready to transform the way you store and share files? Let’s get started.
How to connect a hard disk to a router via ethernet?
Connecting an external hard drive to your router via Ethernet requires a specific network adapter for hard drives. This device, known as a NAS (Network-Attached Storage), allows your drive to communicate with the network via Ethernet cable. Here are the basic steps to make this connection:
- Purchase a NAS adapter compatible with your external hard drive.
- Connect the hard drive to the NAS adapter using its USB cable.
- Use an Ethernet cable to connect the NAS adapter to the router.
- Turn on the hard drive and NAS adapter.
- Configure the NAS via the web interface provided by the manufacturer.
Once these steps are completed, your hard drive will be available on the network to all devices connected to it.
Steps to connect a hard drive to a router without a USB port
If your router does not have a USB port but you want to share your external hard drive on the network, the best alternative is to use a NAS as described above. However, if you do not want to invest in a NAS, there is another possibility, albeit with limitations:
- Connect the external hard drive to a computer acting as a server.
- Share the desired drive or folders via the operating system’s network sharing options.
- Make sure that this computer is always on so that other devices can access the drive.
Accessing the router USB from Android
Want to access your files from your Android device? It is possible if you have connected your external hard drive to the router:
- Download a file management application that supports network connections, such as ES File Explorer or Solid Explorer.
- Open the app and look for the LAN or network storage section.
- Enter your router’s IP address and credentials if necessary.
- Browse the files and folders on your external hard drive as if it were connected directly to your phone.
Windows 10 local network hard drive sharing
Windows 10 makes it easy to share resources on the network. To share your external hard drive connected to the router:
- Open File Explorer and locate your external hard drive under the ‘Network’ section.
- Right-click on the drive and select ‘Properties’.
- Navigate to the “Sharing” tab and click “Advanced Sharing”.
- Check the “Share this folder” box and set permissions according to your needs.
With these steps, any user on your local network will be able to access the external hard drive from their Windows 10 PC.
Configure network hard drive access from the Internet
To access your external hard drive from outside your local network, you will need to set up remote access on your router, commonly known as FTP (File Transfer Protocol) or through more secure solutions such as VPN. The steps include:
- Setting up a dynamic DNS address or having a static IP for your Internet connection.
- Enable and configure the FTP or VPN server on your router.
- Configure the necessary port forwarding rules to allow external access.
- Use an FTP client or VPN connection to access your external hard drive from anywhere.
Remember that this configuration may vary depending on the model of your router and it is always important to prioritize security.
Connecting an external hard drive to two computers
If your goal is to connect an external hard drive to two computers simultaneously, the network is your best ally. By connecting it to a router, both computers will be able to access the drive as long as they are connected to the same network. Here are the general steps:
- Connect the external hard drive to the USB port of your router.
- Configure the hard drive as a shared resource via the router’s web interface.
- On each computer, map the corresponding network drive to the external hard drive.
This will allow both computers to work with the files on the external hard drive as if it were connected directly to them.
Frequently asked questions about connecting and configuring hard drives to routers
How to connect an external hard drive to the network?
To connect an external hard drive to the network, make sure that your router has a USB port. Connect the hard drive and enable the network sharing options from the router settings. Map the network drive in your operating system for easy access.
This way, the hard drive will be visible as a shared resource to all devices on your local network.
How to make it detect an external hard drive?
If you are having trouble getting your computer to detect an external hard drive, check the connections and make sure the drive is powered on. If the operating system does not recognize it automatically, access the disk manager to check its status and assign a drive letter if necessary.
You can also test the hard drive in another USB port or computer to rule out hardware failures.
How do I access the USB media connected to my router?
To access the media on a USB connected to your router, enable USB storage in the router settings and note the assigned network address. Access this address from your computer or device to view and manipulate the stored files.
How to allow access to an external hard drive?
To allow access to an external hard drive, connect it to your computer or router and set the appropriate sharing options. In the case of direct connection to a PC, share the drive from the drive properties in File Explorer and set the desired permissions.
With these steps, other users will be able to access the contents of the external hard drive over the network.
Integrating a external hard drive into your home network will provide you with convenience and flexibility in managing your files. We hope this guide has helped you understand how to connect a router to an external hard drive and the many possibilities it offers. Enjoy your new shared storage network!