How To Make Use Of The USB Port On Your Router
Have you ever wondered what that USB port on the back of your router is for? It might look like a simple accessory, but it can actually unlock some amazing features for your home network. Depending on your router model, you can use the USB port to share files, stream media, print documents, and more. In this article, we’ll show you some of the coolest things you can do with the USB port on your router and how to set them up.
Not All Routers Are Created Equal
Before we dive into the different uses of the USB port on your router, we need to make a disclaimer. Not every router has a USB port, and not every router with a USB port supports the same functions. Some routers might have more powerful hardware or software than others, and some might have certain features disabled by the manufacturer.
To find out what your router can do with its USB port, you’ll need to check its documentation or website. You can also try logging into your router’s web interface or using its mobile app to see what options are available. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also install custom firmware on your router, such as DD-WRT or Tomato, to unlock more features. However, this comes with some risks and might void your warranty.
How to Configure Your Router’s USB Functions
Once you’ve confirmed that your router supports the USB function you want to use, you’ll need to activate and configure it. The exact steps will vary depending on your router model and firmware, but the general process is similar. First, you’ll need to connect the device you want to use to the USB port on your router. Then, you’ll need to access your router’s web interface or mobile app and look for the USB settings menu. There, you should be able to enable and customize the USB function you want to use. Your router should also provide you with the information you need to access the device from other devices on your network.
Share a USB Hard Drive
One of the most common and useful things you can do with the USB port on your router is to share a USB hard drive with everyone on your network. This way, you can store and access files, photos, videos, music, and more from any device connected to your Wi-Fi. You can also use the shared drive as a backup destination for your important data.
To share a USB hard drive with your router, you’ll need to format it using a file system that your router supports. Usually, this will be FAT32 or NTFS, but some routers might also support other formats like exFAT or EXT4. Then, you’ll need to plug it into the USB port on your router and enable the file sharing function in your router’s settings. You can also choose whether you want to share the drive publicly or privately with a username and password.
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Depending on your router’s capabilities, you might be able to access the shared drive in different ways. For example, you might be able to map it as a network drive in your operating system or use it as an FTP source in an app like VLC. Your router should provide you with the instructions and details for accessing the drive from different devices.
Set Up a Media Server
If you have a lot of media files on your shared USB hard drive, such as movies or music, you might want to set up a media server on your router. A media server is a software that organizes and streams your media files to compatible devices on your network. This way, you can enjoy your media collection on any device without having to copy or transfer files.
To set up a media server on your router, you’ll need to enable the media server function in your router’s settings. You might also need to specify which folders on your hard drive contain media files and what types of media files they are. Some routers might use a built-in media server software like DLNA or UPnP AV, while others might let you install third-party media server software like Plex or Kodi.
Once you’ve set up your media server on your router, you should be able to see it from any device that supports media streaming protocols like DLNA or UPnP AV. For example, you can use apps like VLC or Kodi on your smartphone or tablet or use smart TVs or streaming devices like Chromecast or Roku. Your media server should appear as an option in these apps or devices and let you browse and play your media files.
Share a Printer on the Network
Another handy thing you can do with the USB port on your router is to share a printer with everyone on your network. This way, you can print documents from any device connected to your Wi-Fi without having to plug in a cable or install drivers.
To share a printer with your router, you’ll need to plug it into the USB port on your router and enable the printer sharing function in your router’s settings. You might also need to specify the printer model and name and whether you want to share it publicly or privately with a username and password.
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Depending on your router’s capabilities, you might be able to access the shared printer in different ways. For example, you might be able to add it as a network printer in your operating system or use it as an AirPrint source in an app like Apple Pages. Your router should provide you with the instructions and details for accessing the printer from different devices.
Use a Cellular Modem
If you rely on your internet connection for work or other critical purposes, you might want to have a backup plan in case it goes down unexpectedly. One way to do that is to use a cellular modem with your router. A cellular modem is a device that connects to a cellular network and provides internet access via USB.
To use a cellular modem with your router, you’ll need to plug it into the USB port on your router and enable the cellular backup function in your router’s settings. You might also need to specify the cellular provider and plan details and whether you want to use it as a primary or secondary connection.
Depending on your router’s capabilities, you might be able to switch between your regular internet connection and cellular backup automatically or manually. For example, some routers might detect when your regular connection is down and switch over to cellular backup seamlessly. Others might let you choose when to activate cellular backup manually via an app or button.
However, not all routers support cellular backup function and not all cellular modems are compatible with all routers. You’ll need to check if your router model and firmware support this feature and if they work with specific cellular modems from specific providers.
Don’t Waste That Port!
As you can see, there are many things you can do with the USB port on your router besides leaving it empty. You can share files, stream media, print documents, and more with just a few clicks and tweaks. You can also improve your internet reliability by using a cellular modem as a backup option.
However, you’ll need to check your router’s documentation or website to confirm which USB features it supports and how to set them up. You can also try installing custom firmware on your router if you want to unlock more features, but be careful and follow the instructions properly. Happy networking!
