USB Drive as Shared Network Device

[essential]

Purchased a new router (netgear nighthawk). On my current network, we have shared folders (mostly for documents), but it's a pain when one of the computers is off. I want to take advantage of the USB3 port and the ReadySHARE feature on the router.

I want to install a USB3 drive (smaller, no power required, and I only really need a few gigs, don't want/need a whole external HD hooked up, just more clutter) and have it as the shared drive basically between the 3 computers so it's always available.

I assume this should work fine, but I'm wondering if I should leave the drive FAT32 or convert it to NTFS, will either make an impact on network speeds? Also, are there any particular drives that would work better in a network environment, or should I just be going for the fastest read/write speeds I can find?

 

[Binky]

It should work fine. I would use NTFS, since fat32 can't hold files larger than 4gb. The router specs show that it can use almost any file format, and NTFS is very compatible with all modern windows versions (should you need to unplug it and move it somewhere).

 

[dealguru]

Yeah, I agree! NTFS format is better than fat32 for increased security, file encryption, and better compression!

 

[essential]

Thanks for the replies. I purchased a SanDisk Extreme, looking forward to getting it setup.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Let us know if a USB 3.0 device on this router's ports interferes with the 2.4Ghz wifi signal.