Is it possible to connect an external hard drive to a router?

[antsct]

Hello all!

Is it possible to connect an external hard drive to my wireless router (D-Link DI-524) via ethernet (like a usb to ethernet connector?) so that hard drive can be always on as an online file server or do I really need to run another PC 24/7 just for this?

Thanks in advance.

 

[nweaver]

no

You need a NAS enclosure (Network attached storage) for this

 

[JackMDS]

Link to: Network Attached Storage (NAS) for Home/SOHO Networks.

:sun:

 

[SuperSix]

There's also the fine Western Digital Netcenter series.

http://www.wdc.com/en/products/Products.asp?DriveID=150

 

[antsct]

Ok thanks guys. So there is no way of doing by plugging an external USB hard drive into the router via a USB to Ethernet adapter?

 

[promposive]

http://www.solwise.co.uk/networking-copper-based-nas-server.htm
Google for "USB NAS"

 

[skyking]

USB to ethernet adapter = drivers in a computer, sending network traffic out the USB port.
It won't work with a USB drive.
The device posted above will🙂

 

[antsct]

Thanks for the replys guys.

Well, I think I might have to give it a miss for now as the cheapest device I could find is a "LanDrive HD35U2LAN Network Storage Hard Drive Enclosure" for AU $132. Bit to much to spend at the moment as I may be getting an new internal hard drive soon. Anyone else know another way? Preferably cheaper.

Thanks again.