📎 AI Summary:
The thread discusses how to connect external USB hard drives to a home network. The consensus is that a dedicated NAS enclosure is the most straightforward solution, as storage devices alone cannot network share without it. Some users mention that certain wireless routers support storage sharing, but overall, purchasing a NAS is recommended for network access to external drives.

Chucktin

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Joined
Jan 4, 2019
Messages
79
Thread Author #1
Is there an adapter to let me plug an external HD with a USB cable into a home network?

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Solution
Some wireless routers will support storage sharing, but otherwise you will need a NAS since storage devices can't speak over the network on their own.

Neemobeer

Windows Forum Team
Staff member
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Jul 4, 2015
Messages
8,995
You'd want to buy a NAS chassis and put the drive in it.
 

Neemobeer

Windows Forum Team
Staff member
Joined
Jul 4, 2015
Messages
8,995
Some wireless routers will support storage sharing, but otherwise you will need a NAS since storage devices can't speak over the network on their own.
 

Solution

MikeAtt

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 2, 2019
Messages
7
Is there an adapter to let me plug an external HD with a USB cable into a home network?

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I have two hard drives that were once in another computer connected to my desktop via USB cables. You can buy the connectors.
 

Chucktin

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 4, 2019
Messages
79
Thread Author #6
Looks like I have to budget for a NAS (Network Attached Storage) enclosure.

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