Sharing a hard drive without a computer

[brooksf86]

I have just purchased an external hard drive to load all my music on.

My ultimate goal is to share it over a wireless network WITHOUT having it attached to a computer. I currently have a printer that networked through my router. Is there any chance I can do the same type of sharing with this external hard drive?

Someone already mentioned a USB_NIC connector through the router might work. Any ideas?

Thanks

 

[JackMDS]

For you are looking for is called NAS, Network Attached Storage
Unfortunately Entry Level NAS devices have variety of problems.

You can read this as a frame of reference, Network Attached Storage (NAS) for Home/SOHO Networks.

It is better of to go with a mid price unit ($500), than the sub $250.

Otherwise, a good inexpensive solution can be set by using an old P-III class computer with an inexpensive licemse of Win2000.

No need for monitor or other peripheral the NAS computer can be maintained with a program like UltraVNC.

 

[Kelemvor]

You can also buy enclosures that you put a hard drive in that have Network jacks in them. I've never used one but they are all over in price.

Here's a bunch that range from $60 - $700
http://www.eaglebit.com/NAS_Ne...closure_RJ_45_s/88.htm

Otherwise I'd go with that old PC you have laying around that you never got rid of... Slap in the hard drive, load the OS, share it, and away you go. Free if you already have the PC.