However, before you start exploring the possibilities of the USB port on your router, it is important to understand that not all devices support all the USB functions described below. Before 24 Channels warns – it’s better to check your router’s capabilities in the manual to find out exactly what USB functions it supports.

After making sure your router is compatible, you can enable and configure USB features via the router’s web interface or mobile app. Here are some of the possibilities your router’s USB port can offer.

Sharing a USB hard drive

Connecting a USB hard drive to a router is a cost-effective solution for file sharing among all network users. From the router’s menu, you can share the drive and access it from other devices, making it an ideal place to back up data from networked computers.

The router’s information page should contain all the necessary information to access the driver from other devices. For example, an FTP login so you can use it with VLC on your Android TV device or even your smartphone or tablet.

Connect an external drive to the router and set up file storage or a home media server / Photo deposit photos

Media server settings

For small streaming to one or two smart TVs, routers can act as media servers. The speed of a router’s processors determines how well it performs as a media server.

Share the printer on the network

If you only have a USB printer, your router can act as a print server, allowing anyone on the network to print from their device. If your router does not have this feature, you can easily share access to any printer via a networked computer.

Using a cellular modem

You can connect a USB cellular modem if you need to provide outside network access for remote desktop, or if you work from home and can’t afford to disconnect from the network.

Make your internet uninterrupted using 4G USB modem / Photo mercadolibre

While this feature of a USB router is relatively rarely used, it can provide a backup connection to ensure your critical network services are always connected in the event of a power outage, for example.

Conclusion

All in all, router USB ports can add some really useful features to your home network, so it would be a shame to leave them unused. At the very least, a small shared local storage can solve the problem of running out of space on a PC or smartphone. You can even create a folder of documents that the whole family can access, with or without an internet connection!