update
I've been advised to plug a hub into the USB port on my router but it's from AT&T (Arris BGW210-700) and appears not to be suitable for such file sharing. I've been told a couple things about these particular router USB ports A) they're useless except for powering devices and B) they're proprietary ports for connecting direct tv stuff.
I found the item below on amazon and asked if plugging the usb hub into the wall would power all the devices. The only answer I received was someone tried it with just one external hd (I am wanting up to 5) and found it slower than expected
(I don't like providing direct amazon links).
SSK Wireless Hard Drive Adapter WiFi External Drive Router, Add WiFi for Your Hard Drive, Change Normal Storage to Personal Cloud, Wireless Backup, Remote Access, Support Card Reader/HDD/USB
If my printer can be connected by WIFI has someone come up with something that easy for a multi-port USB hub?
also I'm seeing these antenna like things that I don't understand at all. Could I buy five of them and do they attach directly to the external hard drive(s) and turn each device into a wifi transmitter?