Sharing external usb HDD on home wifi network


  1. Posts : 1,807
    Windows 10 Pro 21H1 19043.1348
       #1

    Sharing external usb HDD on home wifi network


    I live in a rural area where Wireless internet service is not very good and quite expensive. If I were looking to share video files without using any Cloud solutions, using an external HDD on my household wifi, how about using a device to generate PoE to an Enet/USB adapter(splitter)?

    AFAIK, most consumer-grade wifi routers do not have PoE available. If they did, that could spare the cost of a PoE Injector ($20us).

    What do you think about this as a solution for Rural residents like myself? Use a PoE injector on an Enet connection from the wifi router such as this;

    Connect the PoE signal out from the Injector to the splitter input below to power the USB connection for the external HDD.

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?tag=823814-20

    Total cost of equipment $43 US + Enet cables. Can you see any flaws in this design?

    Sharing external usb HDD on home wifi network-0129-poe-setup.jpg

    winver 1809

    I would appreciate any comments or recommendations. TIA,

    Michael
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 8,100
    windows 10
       #2

    I dont follow that if you are sharing locally why aren't you just using your WiFi you could share the drive on the router if it has USB TV or PC all very simple. You can get cheap routers with USB
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 1,807
    Windows 10 Pro 21H1 19043.1348
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Samuria said:
    I dont follow that if you are sharing locally why aren't you just using your WiFi you could share the drive on the router if it has USB TV or PC all very simple. You can get cheap routers with USB
    Thanks for your reply. The router I'm currently using does not have a USB port and I'd be surprised to locate a wifi router for less than $43, at least one that functions properly. Also, I don't have a PC that's always available to connect to the external HDD.

    I'm retired and attempting to accomplish this task with minimal $. Do you believe my proposed solution will not work or be deficient in any way?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 8,100
    windows 10
       #4

    Have got a tv with usb? Do you have a smart phone you can cast from
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 18,430
    Windows 11 Pro
       #5

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    This one is actually in stock:
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      My Computer


  6. Posts : 1,223
    W10-Pro 22H2
       #6

    I hope the device suggested by NavyLCDR (or something like it) works, as I don't think your proposed scheme would: based on my limited understanding, ethernet cables transmit data packets - and you need something with a brain (that understands packets) at both the transmitting and receiving ends. In your setup, the router would try to talk to the other end (the USB-powered HDD) and would likely get no response.
      My Computer


 

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