You Can Plug These Devices Into Your Router's USB Port

You may already be familiar with utilizing a USB port on your computer or smart TV, but what about the one that is on your router?

Transform a USB Drive into Network Storage

Occasionally, it is necessary to share files with family members or colleagues. Rather than perpetually emailing papers, exchanging flash drives, or utilizing online storage, one might convert their router into a NAS (Network Attached Storage).

To configure this, simply connect a USB flash drive or hard drive to your network. Your router will automatically identify it and render the storage accessible via your Wi-Fi network. You may either map it as a network drive on your PC or access it via your smartphone or tablet.

It resembles possessing a personal cloud, but it is complimentary and entirely private. Furthermore, transferring large files over a home network is significantly more expedient than uploading and downloading them via the internet.

Certain routers facilitate remote access, enabling file retrieval while away, akin to services such as Dropbox or Google Drive. This is an excellent method to reutilize an obsolete router.

Automatically Back Up Your Devices

Regularly backing up your devices is a widely acknowledged necessity, although maintaining this practice proves to be a distinct challenge. Manual backups are laborious, and although cloud storage offers a convenient solution for automatic backups, expenses can escalate rapidly, particularly when attempting to maintain backups for several devices.

You can attach a USB drive or an external hard disk to your router, transforming it into a continuous backup hub. Certain routers provide integrated tools that enable users to schedule and manage backups directly from the administration panel. If yours does not, you can still utilize the File History function in Windows to automatically back up files to the network drive established by your router from the linked storage.

Enable Wireless Functionality for a Wired Printer

A printer is a communal item that requires access for all individuals in a household or office. If your printer is wired, it is often located in a corner, connected to a single PC. This typically entails transmitting data to that computer solely for printing purposes.

Nevertheless, if your router is equipped with a USB port, you can directly connect your wired printer to it. This effectively transforms your wired printer into a wireless device; any individual connected to your Wi-Fi network can print without requiring a direct cable connection.

The majority of contemporary routers inherently enable this capability. Simply access your router's administration panel by entering its IP address in your web browser and activate printer sharing.

Charge Minor Devices

The solitary USB port located on the rear of your router can also function as a charging station for your gadgets. While it may not provide rapid charging akin to a wall adapter, it is sufficient for replenishing low-power gadgets such as fitness trackers, wireless headphones, smartwatches, or Bluetooth mouse.

Such devices use minimal power and typically charge at a sluggish rate, rendering your router's USB port an unexpectedly efficient backup solution. It is particularly advantageous when your computer's USB ports are already utilized, or when an additional wall adapter is unavailable.

Establish a Media Server

If your router is compatible with DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) or a comparable media-sharing protocol, you can convert it into a media hub for streaming entertainment throughout your residence.

It is, in fact, quite straightforward. Initially, connect a USB drive containing your preferred movies, music, or images to the USB connection of your router. Subsequently, access your router's configuration and activate the media server functionality.

Upon activation, your router functions as a perpetual streaming hub. Devices such as smart TVs, game consoles, tablets, and smartphones linked to your home Wi-Fi may readily access and stream your media library.

Utilize Mobile Internet as a Contingency

Internet disruptions invariably occur at the most inopportune moments; nonetheless, your router may still prove beneficial. Numerous contemporary routers facilitate USB tethering, enabling direct connection of your smartphone or a USB mobile broadband dongle to the network. Subsequently, you may activate USB tethering on your mobile device and configure your router to recognize it as a supplementary WAN connection.

This may not be optimal for those with a restricted mobile data plan, although in an emergency, it can be invaluable. It is particularly advantageous for distant workers seeking to maintain device connectivity during an internet disruption.

Thus, it concludes the matter. The USB port on your router serves a functional purpose beyond just aesthetics. The majority of routers are equipped with a single USB port, or possibly two if fortunate, so limiting the ability to implement multiple ideas simultaneously. Utilizing even one or two of these can reveal significant latent potential.