Chicago
Track Your Order
0
Here are some smart ways you can use your router’s USB port
Many routers have one or even two USB ports on the back. What good are they? Actually they have several practical purposes for your home network, such as enabling a shared printer. Here a few examples.
Network storage
All you need for this is a USB hard drive, an SSD or an old USB stick. You plug it into your router and all the computers in your home network can then access the data stored on it, such as images, text documents or videos.
In this way, you create a place for exchanging data without having to use email attachments or paid cloud subscriptions.
Depending on your router, you can also control access to the data in the settings. So, for example, you could allow only family members have access to the data, but not visitors who are also logged into your home network.
Share a printer
One printer in your household can be accessed by all connected devices. To do this, connect your printer to the router’s USB and make it available for use by everyone.
How exactly this will work varies depending on your printer and router. Some devices will also need additional software to enable this feature.
If set up correctly, you’ll be able to print from all the devices in your household without unplugging the cable and also from your smartphone without first transferring the file to a computer.
Power small devices
The USB connection doesn't provide a lot of power, but it does provide a few watts. That is useful if you want to operate small USB devices such as smart hub.
But you can also slowly charge your headphones, phone or bicycle lights if you don't have another plug to hand. Sometimes you have to activate the port's power supply in the router's settings first.
Connect a surf stick
Mobile data volume is getting cheaper and cheaper. So why not speed up your slow DSL connection with a USB surf stick with a data plan? Simply plug it into the back of the router and, assuming there’s network coverage, the router can handle the internet connection using the stick.
This can also be practical when moving house, for example, if your telephone connection has not yet been switched on, so you can stay connected to the network without any interruption.