Question Android box + external HDD = Wireless NAS?

[locotoro83]

I'm hoping someone with more knowledge can help answer this question.

I've been looking into creating a data storage connection for my home network. Everything I'm reading is saying the only way is to buy a NAS which is expensive.

I currently have a Deco XE70 which unfortunately doesn't have USB ports and my router is a standard ISP modem. I also have a couple of (no longer in use) Android TV Boxes.

I was wondering if I could connect one of the android boxes to my external 2TB harddrive by usb and use the WiFi capabilities of the android box to connect my home network WiFi and act as a wireless NAS? Perhaps download some file management software using Google play.

Does anyone know if this would work and if so how I could do this and if not why?

Apologies if it's a silly question, I'm trying to avoid spending lots on a new NAS and I also am looking to repurpose the android boxes since I don't like wastage

 

[USAFRet]

Disregarding any NASish....does your android devices see and can use a USB connected HDD?

 

[locotoro83]

Yes, when I connect the HDD the android box can access the HDD and play media files from it

 

[USAFRet]

Yes, when I connect the HDD the android box can access the HDD and play media files from it

OK...

And can you connect to the android box from your PC or laptop?

 

[locotoro83]

OK...

And can you connect to the android box from your PC or laptop?

No so I can see the usb storage through the media player but when I connect it to the pc I can't see it. Seems very weird.

 

[Misgar]

I can see the usb storage through the media player but when I connect it to the pc I can't see it. Seems very weird.

You probably need to share a folder on the Android device before it becomes visible in Windows. This guide (or others) might provide inspiration, but I haven't found one which specifically mentions Windows at one end of the link.
https://www.fonetool.com/phone-transfer/android-wifi-file-transfer-1226-ac.html

Everything I'm reading is saying the only way is to buy a NAS which is expensive.

If you have an old PC or laptop you can build your own NAS for the price of a disk drive. No need to spend $100s on a commercial NAS. Network Attached Storage can take may forms. All that's needed is network connectivity and a storage device.