This article will focus on Netis routers that are equipped with a USB port. This company does not have many such routers yet. If I'm not mistaken, there are two of them: MW5230 and WF2880. I'm not familiar with the first router yet, but I have a Netis WF2880. And this means that with a real example I can show you and tell you what you need a USB port on a Netis router for, what you can connect there, how to configure and use it all.
Both models have a USB 2.0 port. It can be used for different tasks:
- For connecting 3G / 4G modems. At the moment, this function is implemented only on the Netis MW5230 router. This means that it supports USB modems. And by connecting the modem to the router, we can access the internet on all our devices. In terms of compatibility, there is information that the following modems are officially supported: Huawei EC315, EC306-2, and E3531i. But it is possible that this router can work with other modems. Netis WF2880 does not support USB modems. But as I understood from the answers of the official representative of Netis, support can be implemented in the following firmware versions.
- Sharing files on a USB storage device that is connected to the Netis router. Everything is very simple. We connect a USB flash drive or an external hard drive to the router and get access to it from all devices that are connected to this router. Local network access. Not over the internet.
- FTP server. You can configure FTP access to the drive. Including via the Internet.
- Media server. On a Netis router, you can enable this service, and get DLNA access to videos, photos and music stored on the drive. For example, from the TV.
The only thing that I cannot demonstrate is the configuration of 3G / 4G modems. Since my router does not have such a function. If I have a Netis MW5230, I will definitely show everything.
Update: prepared instructions for connecting and configuring a 3G / 4G modem on a Netis router. For example, Netis MW5230.
We connect a USB flash drive, or an external HDD
Whatever function you set up, first you need to connect the USB flash drive to the router. In my case, a 64 GB flash drive.
I also tried connecting an external hard drive. In the reviews I read that for some users the Netis router does not see the external hard drive. In my case, no problem. The router works seamlessly with a 500 GB HDD. There is access to it.
After connecting the drive, the USB indicator on the front side is on. When data is being transferred, it flashes actively.
Also, to configure all these functions, you will need to go to the router settings. This can be done through a browser at netis.cc. If anything, here's a detailed instruction: how to enter the settings of the Netis router.
Configuring shared access to a USB drive through a Netis router
Since the sharing function in the router's settings is enabled by default, by connecting the drive, we can immediately access it (even the router settings do not need to be entered).
To access a USB flash drive or HDD over a local network, just go to the "Network" tab in Windows Explorer. There I got "ROUTER". We open it and get to the network drive.
You can also access the drive by going to one of these addresses in the explorer: netis.cc, 192.168.0.1, or ROUTER.
We can copy files there, delete them, edit, etc. Just like on a regular USB drive. Also, if necessary, you can connect it as a network drive in the Windows settings.
It happens that Windows does not see network computers, including the router. First, check the connection to the router and if the shared folder is visible on other devices. If everything is fine there, then see the solutions in this article.
You can use the ES File Explorer app to access this drive from your Android mobile device. There is a "Network" section where you will find the NAS.
To be honest, there are not many settings. After opening the control panel of the Netis router, go to the "USB Settings" - "Storage" section.
There you can turn off the service (sharing). You can also enable "Account Access". A field will appear where you need to create and write down a username and password. After saving the settings, in order to access the flash drive, you will need to specify this username and password for authorization. This is for protection. By default, everyone (no password) who is connected to your router has access. Wi-Fi or cable.
Now about the speed of writing and reading. When copying a file to a USB flash drive and back to a computer, my speed was about 5-7 Mb / s.
The laptop is connected to the router by cable.
Setting up an FTP server on a Netis router
The settings are located under "USB Settings" - "FTP Server". There are also not many of them. You can only disable or enable the server and enable access by login / password. What I advise to do. Since, in theory, anyone can access your drive via the Internet. Just by finding out your external IP address.
To access the FTP server, in Windows Explorer go to ftp://192.168.0.1 (LAN address of the router).
And if you have set a username and password, then you need to log in.
Our drive will open.
You can also use different FTP clients. For example FileZilla Client.
If you do not plan to use FTP access, then it is better to disable it.
To access the FTP server via the Internet (and not from the local network), instead of the local address of the router, you need to use the external IP address (WAN) provided by your provider. But there can be problems, since it is not uncommon for providers to issue gray IP addresses, and you cannot get access through such an address. Unless you can try to configure "Dynamic DNS". It can also come in handy when you have a dynamic external IP address, not a static one.
DLNA setup. Netis router as a media server
If your home network has a TV that is connected to a router (or a game console, TV box), then you can set up a DLNA server and watch movies, photos and listen to music that is on the drive, which in turn is connected to the Netis router. And you can upload the same movies to the drive from your computer, through the general access, which we set up at the beginning of the article. It is very convenient.
The media server is disabled by default. You can enable it in the router settings, in the "USB Settings" - "Multimedia" (something with translation) section. Turn on and save the settings.
That's it, Netis router now works as a media server. On the TV, you need to select "Network" as the source. This is on a Philips TV, but it may be different for you. We see our Netis as a media server. We open the film and watch. As I wrote above, you can still watch photos and listen to music.
I have not tested heavy films. But the regular video recorded on the iPhone 6 is doing very well. No brakes and no loading stops. The TV was connected via Wi-Fi in the 2.4 GHz band.
Conclusions
Everything works almost immediately. No complicated and incomprehensible settings and other nonsense. We connected the drive and shared it. We turned on the media server and it works. For a typical user, that's what you need. During the time that I set up and checked everything, not a single problem arose. Nothing stuck or buggy.
But on the other hand, the settings are still not enough. The ability to change the name of the network device and DLNA server would not hurt. Also, it will not be superfluous to be able to create individual users and give them access to certain folders on the drive with different rights. Well, I would also like to see the status of the connected drive in the control panel and the possibility of safe removal. Since there is currently no "Eject Drive" function, turn it off when there is no data transfer. When the USB indicator is not flashing.
Well, in the future I would like to see a print server and a service for downloading torrents directly to a USB drive. I think all this will be added in new firmware. Since Netis is actively collecting information and modifying its software.
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