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Question

Wireless Storage With Wireless Router Couple

by Mar 16, 2015 3:19PM PDT

Hello, I have a bit of a dilemma. I'm currently looking for an external/cloud storage solution. I won't have direct access to the router so a hdd connected by Ethernet to the router is not an option. With that said, I'm looking for a hard drive (preferably larger than 1 tb) that I can connect wirelessly to my network so that I can access it from anywhere, but would also like some type of port on the storage device to allow for a direct connection to my computer in case I have a very large file transfer. Is this even possible without having a direct connection to the router? I looked at devices such as the Apple Time Capsule that I believe may work, but I'd like confirmation and perhaps some other devices that could work as well. If it makes a difference, I'm on a Mac running lion but would like cross functionality with PCs.

Thanks so much!
Dustin

Discussion is locked

5 Posts
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Answer
This is one bad idea.
by Forum moderator Mar 16, 2015 3:28PM PDT

Let's look at the usual WiFi connected HDD. The data goes to the router, then to your PC. Then on the way back, to your router then to the HDD. Figure slow is not the word here. Glacial file copies.

This is why we use some USB HDD. Only those that didn't have a WiFi HDD will think it is OK.
Bob

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Reply
by dcarr1987 Mar 17, 2015 1:52AM PDT

I understand the wireless connectivity would cause very slow file transfers, but since I don't have direct access to the router (on campus) it is the only way to allow me access to the storage from anywhere in case I absolutely need to backup something. More than likely I'll be directly connecting to the device for larger file transfers.

Dustin

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So you'll have to choose your setup.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Mar 17, 2015 2:04AM PDT

Since you can't put such a WiFi HDD on the school (W)LAN you have to use it on your own WLAN then switch networks back to school when required. This is really a crappy setup. I know as I helped a client do this. I warned them (see Tim at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRpTeo1q0U4 )

I can't guess why you are insisting on this. But hey, your money and time.

My backup from anywhere is on DropBox. The initial 2GB limit is not a limit for me. On the go I have yet to need more than that.
Bob

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Answer
just google "wireless storage"
by Mar 16, 2015 3:39PM PDT

Or if you have an older computer, drop a wifi device in it, either card or USB, and use that to make your wireless storage device. Set it to connect wireless to the router, then share the drive with password protection. Or can set to "ad hoc" and use direct from your computer.

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Reply
by dcarr1987 Mar 17, 2015 1:55AM PDT

This would work, unfortunately I don't have a spare computer. :/

Dustin

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