Network storage without a router

[grumblenz]

I want to add 4tb+ more storage that is accessible across all my devices as easily as an external usb drive but wirelessly (to cellphones etc.).

I cannot physically access the router at home (or work) to plug anything in like a WD MyBook (I connect wirelessly to get the internet).

I do not need to access these files via the cloud or anything clever, only from my devices wherever I am.

I want to take the solution with me when I travel for work or to visit friends. The WD, for example, only works when plugged in to a router, so, although physically portable, it is useless as a portable storage device. The Seagate Home Central has the same issue.

Buying another router with RJ45 (for the WD) and USB ports (for an external USB hard drive) is an option but seems messy and overly complicated.

So a portable 'Home Cloud' solution in the tidiest way, for the least cost and cabling.

I run Vista, Android, IOS and Linux, so the solution needs to be wireless, portable and compatible. Thanks!

 

[bill001g]

You don't have a lot of options. You will always need a device that does the function of the router. There are wireless storage device but pretty much they are routers in disguise with hard drives. These tend to cost many times what a small router and a network storage device costs.

The easiest solution is to not worry about some drive in a box solution and go back to the original method of file sharing. Use a file server which can be pretty much any laptop. There are a number of well documented methods that will allow your PC to share its drives via wireless. If using your current laptop is not a option you should be able to buy a used one (not like it needs to be powerful) for very little and put a large hard drive it in or connect your USB storage.

 

[grumblenz]

Thanks for your prompt reply, the router seems to be the most suitable option as I have a mobile lifestyle and this would allow me to take the laptop away but allow the family to use the storage.

An ordinary router with both RJ45 and USB connectors and dhcp disabled? (Sorry, not 100% on this bit but have a vague idea).

This way the router would give everyone access to both the existing WD MyBook files and the new 4tb external usb drive and the laptop would connect to both routers? (Office internet router and the new storage one)

Sorry if I sound dense, networking is not my forte. Thanks