Can i connect an external hardrive directly to my router to act as a network drive?

Question

i have two external hard drives that i use for backups and storage. can i connect them directly to my router? I would like to stack them all by my router so that the 3 laptops in my house can all access them through our network. How do i do this. They are both firewire routers and neither has a network plug. If need be i would be willing to invest in a new external hardrive that has a network plus (is there is such a thing). any advise on how i should set up my home network so i can use external drives on my network for backup and storage?

CORRRECTION: the external hard drives both have firewire connections. I said incorrectly (above) that they were routers. they are hard drives.

Answer 1

I added a D-Link drive box that connected via the lan.
http://www.dlink.com/products/?sec=0&pid=377

My drives went into that. I can also add usb drives externally.
All the pc's can see the drives

Answer 2

You would have to have purchased a router that is made specifically for such a thing.

One option would be to just go and buy a used desktop to install those drives on and network to your router as a file server.

Either that or you could just buy a NAS unit that would plug into your router VIA a network port.

Answer 3

it won't be able to be located on the on the spot router. in case you prefer it in basic terms so which you could work out than connect it on your laptop, yet once you will possibly be able to desire to make it available to different computers connect it to a working laptop or laptop laptop or base laptop. this type you could set up a community with the computers and each physique can verify out the contents of the not straightforward force.

Answer 4

No, they have special formatted drived with certain drivers that do that.

Answer 5

Gosh, what about just going wireless. I am unable to answer your question.

Answer 6

well not work