how can i connect a external hard drive to Verizon FiOS-G1100 without using a NAS?

[dannyLia]

Its just as the title reads, how can i connect a external hard drive to Verizon FiOS-G1100 without using a NAS? Ive recently moved in with my gf's family and as a gift back to them I wanted to connect my external hard drive to the verizon fios so they can use it as they please with storing backups, picture, and music on it. Ive looked all over the internet and sees that many suggests to use NAS but with my low budget I want to find a way to do without it. Any suggestions would be good. Thank you.

 

[SuperSoph_WD]

Welcome to Tom's Hardware, @dannyLia!

You should check if you have the latest firmware updates installed on your router. According to the specs of your model, it should incorporate USB ports that give you the opportunity to access an external HDD device. However, I'd strongly recommend backing up your data from it somewhere else as well. (Laptop/computer/another external/etc.) Unfortunately, sometimes plugging external drives to multiple devices could actually corrupt their file system, which might result in data loss. Besides, a real backup means that you have a duplicate of those files stored somewhere else as well. Having only one copy of your data, even if it's on an external, is not a backup solution. So better be safe, than sorry.

You should also check if your router supports the file system in which your external HDD is formatted.

Hope this was helpful. Keep me posted if you have any additional questions.
Cheers,
SuperSoph_WD

 

[dannyLia]

Welcome to Tom's Hardware, @dannyLia!

You should check if you have the latest firmware updates installed on your router. According to the specs of your model, it should incorporate USB ports that give you the opportunity to access an external HDD device. However, I'd strongly recommend backing up your data from it somewhere else as well. (Laptop/computer/another external/etc.) Unfortunately, sometimes plugging external drives to multiple devices could actually corrupt their file system, which might result in data loss. Besides, a real backup means that you have a duplicate of those files stored somewhere else as well. Having only one copy of your data, even if it's on an external, is not a backup solution. So better be safe, than sorry.

You should also check if your router supports the file system in which your external HDD is formatted.

Hope this was helpful. Keep me posted if you have any additional questions.
Cheers,
SuperSoph_WD

I have checked the firmware and it seems it is outdated and the only way to update it is through automatic updates through Verizon. I am currently running firmware version 01.03.02.03. This is my first time dealing with a Fios router or modem so to not mess anything up I just want to ask around. It seems this modem or router is able to broadcast wireless also so there is actually no other devices involved, though using an old linksys router to use it to access my external HDD might be in considerations now. Thoughts?

 

[SuperSoph_WD]

Hey there again, @dannyLia!

There's nothing concerning about updating the firmware of your devices, just make sure you don't interrupt the process because it could damage the device. If you have any doubts about doing this, you should refer to the manual or knowledge base of the manufacturer. Better yet, get in touch with their technical support who should be able to give you the step-by-steps. Otherwise, you could still try using the external on your old router to check if it would get recognized through there. However, I'd also check the old router's manual to see if it would support the file system of the external. Moreover, if you still face trouble connecting it, you might want to check its firmware version as well.

Good luck!
SuperSoph_WD