[SOLVED] Connecting printer and external hard drive to ethernet switch or modem

[vap1000]

Thanks to the information and help from the form, I have successfully expended my WIFI signal with an extender and also created more ethernet access on the modem with a switch. Next, I would like to see if it is possible for me to connect my two printer and external hard drive to the ethernet switch, so I can access all three from all my devices over the WIFI home network. Based on what I know, I may need a connector between the ethernet port and device USB. Is that even a possibility?

 

[velocityg4]

As for printers. They'll need Ethernet ports or something which can act as a print server. Most printers have networking abilities built in. Although many are eschewing the Ethernet port for WiFi only. As you have WiFi. That isn't a problem.

If your router doesn't have USB ports and ability to act as a file server. Then you will either need to get a NAS enclosure and connect your HDD or dedicate a PC as a file server.

A cheap used PC running Linux will be more reliable and faster than some budget dedicated NAS. It can also double as a print server. If your printers don't support networking. You could also mess around with it to act as a CALDAV, CARDDAV, E-Mail, Web, &c server. Perhaps have it act as a Plex server too.

 

[Ralston18]

In agreement with @velocityg4

Consider FreeNAS on a re-purposed pc.

https://www.freenas.org/

USB on a router may be an option but be aware that doing so may cause performance problems. Fortunately, in any case, that is easy to test. Moot if the router does not have a USB port.