USB/Ethernet Bridges?

dariuzthepole · 08-07-2008, 05:53 AM

Hi,

I have recently upgraded my internet to wireless broadband with Sky. I also use an external hard drive, which has a USB connection only. Due to my primary computer being a laptop, the USB hard drive is becoming a bit cumbersome.

My initial intention was to upgrade my HDD to one which supported networking, and preferably which acts like an FTP so I could access files on my HDD from anywhere. However, I have been reading that it can be possible to purchase an ethernet bridge which could connect my USB HDD (& other hardware, printer etc) to my wireless router. Unfortunately I don't know much about these bridges and although I have done some reading it is still a bit unclear.

I really want to get the best product the money I'm going to spend. I have no allegience to either option (new NAS HDD or ethernet bridge).

Would it be worth my while purchasing an ethernet bridge (how reliable are they?), or should I 'bite the bullet' and upgrade my HDD to one which supports NAS and acts like an FTP?

Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

dariuzthepole

**johnwill** · 08-08-2008, 09:01 AM

You'd be better off simply buying an empty NAS case and installing the hard drive from your external into it. Here's a typical example: http://www.compusa.com/applications/...C-PRICEGRABBER

08-07-2008, 05:53 AM	#1 (permalink)
dariuzthepole Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 7 OS: Windows XP Pro SP2	USB/Ethernet Bridges? Hi, I have recently upgraded my internet to wireless broadband with Sky. I also use an external hard drive, which has a USB connection only. Due to my primary computer being a laptop, the USB hard drive is becoming a bit cumbersome. My initial intention was to upgrade my HDD to one which supported networking, and preferably which acts like an FTP so I could access files on my HDD from anywhere. However, I have been reading that it can be possible to purchase an ethernet bridge which could connect my USB HDD (& other hardware, printer etc) to my wireless router. Unfortunately I don't know much about these bridges and although I have done some reading it is still a bit unclear. I really want to get the best product the money I'm going to spend. I have no allegience to either option (new NAS HDD or ethernet bridge). Would it be worth my while purchasing an ethernet bridge (how reliable are they?), or should I 'bite the bullet' and upgrade my HDD to one which supports NAS and acts like an FTP? Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, dariuzthepole

08-08-2008, 09:01 AM	#2 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,921 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: USB/Ethernet Bridges? You'd be better off simply buying an empty NAS case and installing the hard drive from your external into it. Here's a typical example: http://www.compusa.com/applications/...C-PRICEGRABBER __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience