how can i convert my external hard drive into a network hard drive?

Question

I have a usb external hard drive. I want it to be part of my network. I do not want to share the hard drive through a computer. I want it to be stand alone. How can i connect it to my router? I have seen ethernet adapter how they are intended to convert ethernet to usb. Will it work backwards?

I DO NOT WANT TO SHARE IT THROUGH THE COMPUTER!!!

Answer 1

Just share your hard drive on your network.

Right-Click on the Drive --> Properties
Select the Sharing tab and set the appropriate options.

For more information you can search using Google.

Answer 2

Consider getting a network adapter that connects to your router and then to the external hard drive (usb). Linksys has one that works very well and allows you and others to share the drive and you can even get to it remotely over the Internet. There are others but if you go to http:www.Linksys.com search their network adapter under their "wired" products. You can then search for other manufacturers of similar devices.

Answer 3

As the hard drive needs a processor, memory, IO card, USB controller, etc. attached to it to work, there is not way to just use a hard drive without it being attached to a PC. You will have to share it through a PC. Only answer there is. Sorry.

Answer 4

what you need is something like the linksys NSLU2


http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1118334819312&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper


Connects USB 1.1 or 2.0 disk drives and flash disks directly to your network
Share music, video, or data files with managed access by user name or group
Integrated file server -- access your files from the Internet
Built-in disk utilities -- format, backup, and scandisk