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Question

Is there a router on which File Sharing can be turned on and

by Oct 24, 2015 12:04PM PDT

Can anyone recommend a router on which file sharing can be turned off and turned on? I have a Vizio Internet ready TV wired via Ethernet to a router. File sharing being "on" on the network causes the TV to periodically freeze (a software glitch per Vizio Tech Support). I need to set up networking on the TV with file sharing turned off on the router, and then after the TV networking has been set up, I can turn file sharing back on on the router. Is there such a router that can do this? Doesn't have to be wireless. I just need a device to connect in between the current router and the TV that can turn off file sharing. Thanks.

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2 Posts
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Answer
Yes.
by Forum moderator Oct 24, 2015 12:12PM PDT

For example I have this TPLink Archer C9 AC1900 which I did just that.

How? I turned on a Guest network and opted for CLIENT ISOLATION which turned off network sharing. Now that means that my main network can do sharing and the guest network does not.

I don't see your router make and model so I can't check if it can do guest networking.

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Answer
Keep MOCA in mind too
by Oct 24, 2015 1:29PM PDT
http://www.jasonpalmer.com/2013/03/moca-ethernet-over-coax-cable-its-not-just-for-tv-anymore/

Whooo Whooo is spying on you. Spooky Halloween story.
http://arstechnica.com/security/2013/11/lg-smart-tv-snooping-extends-to-home-networks-second-blogger-says/

"A second blogger has published evidence that his LG-manufactured smart television is sharing sensitive user data with the Korea-based company in a post that offers support for the theory that the snooping isn't isolated behavior that affects a small number of sets.

In addition to transmitting a list of shows being watched and the names of files contained on USB drives, the Internet-connected TV also sent the names of files shared on home or office networks, the blogger reported. He made the discovery after plugging the Wireshark packet-sniffing program into his home network and noticing that an LG TV—model number 42ls570, purchased in April—was transmitting file names that sounded vaguely familiar even though there was no USB drive plugged in.

"It turns out it was pulling filenames from my shared folders over the network and broadcasting those instead," he wrote in a blog post published Thursday. "I moved all the media out of the folder and put a few duds in named 'GiantPorn,' turned the TV off and on and....." (more at article)

Not so easy on all routers. I don't think the Verizon Actiontec have an isolation feature, so the approach there is two routers, one which sends to the TV and one LAN port to the second router and have the LAN for computers all connected to it.

Once isolated, how do you intend to send media files from your computer to the TV, if desired? Best for continued isolation is direct video cable to TV.
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