Today I will tell you about one interesting and useful function that appeared on the latest models of TP-Link routers. I tested it on the TP-Link TL-WR942N model. It's about downloading files offline. There is I will enter that the router itself will download files to the USB flash drive connected to it. This function is called "Download Offline" in the router settings (Offline Download).
The essence of this function is that we connect an ordinary USB flash drive or external hard disk drive (HDD) to the TP-Link router, specify a direct link to the file, or torrent in the settings, and the router itself will download this file to the connected drive. Without a computer. This means that you can put files on download at night, and not load the network during the day, when everyone is using the Internet. And also, there is a download scheduler. This means that the files you add will be automatically downloaded only at the specified time and on the specified days of the week.
Yes, if you have 100 Mbps Internet, then the function may seem unnecessary. But, I know from myself that this feature will be appreciated by all users of 3G / 4G Internet. When, after you put the file on download, the speed drops very much. And now, you can put files on download, and they will be downloaded at night. When the speed of wireless Internet is several times higher. And the TP-Link TL-WR942N router is just perfect for this, since there is support for 3G / 4G modems, and two USB (one for a modem, the other for a drive).
I used exactly the same function on the ASUS router, there it is called Download Master. So, with full confidence I can say that TP-Link has a better and clearer implementation of the function of self-loading files.
Downloading files (torrents) to a USB flash drive connected to a TP-Link router
First, we need a USB stick. Its size depends on the size of the files you will upload.
Important! Do not plug in drives that contain valuable information. Since the router will most likely change the format of the drive's file system, and you will lose files, or you will not be able to view them on your computer.
On the computer, we format the USB flash drive in NTFS format. We connect it to the router.
It is not necessary to reboot the router.
Next, in the browser, go to 192.168.0.1 (or tplinkwifi.net). The router will ask for a username and password. Factory settings are admin and admin. If you changed them, indicate yours.
We will get into the router settings.
If your settings are in English, then most likely there is an opportunity to change the language to Russian, or Ukrainian. Dropdown menu at the top of the page.
Go to "Advanced Settings" - "USB Settings" - "Download Offline". Turn on the function, select the drive (if there are two), and select a folder on the drive, or just specify the root of the drive. Important: the folder name must be in Latin (in English letters). Save your settings. By numbers :)
If necessary, you can also specify the maximum number of active downloads, or open additional settings. In which you can configure the limitation of the download speed, the maximum number of connections, the maximum number of peers, etc. This is a torrent client built into the TP-Link router. There are not many settings, but everything you need is there.
If you change any settings, don't forget to save.
Schedule File Download Schedule on TP-Link Router
If you need the router to download files only at certain times, then you need to set up a schedule. Check the box next to "Schedule", and click on the green clock.
Next, just select the days and times when the router is allowed to download files to the connected drive. Click Ok, and Save.
So, we figured out the settings. All turned on and configured. The router is ready to download your files and torrents.
Add a link to the file or .torrent to download. Offline download management
You just need to click on the "Add" button. Next, you need to choose a source. There are three of them:
- Torrent file from PC. Select the .torrent file from your computer.
- Torrent file from USB. If the .torrent file you want to download is located on a USB flash drive that you connected to the TP-Link router.
- URL (FTP, HTTP, aMule) - the usual, direct link to the file.
Further, depending on the selected source, specify the link to the file, or open the .torrent file. Click Ok.
And if the schedule is not configured, or is configured, but now is the allowed time, then the file download will start. If not, it will be on standby. All information on the file, download status, speed, etc. will be displayed.
You can manage file uploads, and uploaded files. Just highlight the download, and click on the desired button: delete, pause, continue, clear completed list.
Access to files on a USB flash drive through a router over the network
I ran into a problem when after disconnecting the USB stick from the router and connecting it to the computer, I could not open it. The computer asked to format it. For some reason, the computer did not even display the file system of the flash drive. While the router saw everything perfectly. Most likely, the router formats the drive for itself. How to solve this problem, I do not know yet.
You can access the downloaded files over the network. From any device connected to your router. On your computer, just open the "Network" tab, and your router will be there. Where you can see the downloaded files through the "offline downloader".
Well, we figured out how you can download files without a computer. Having only a TP-Link router and a USB drive.
Leave your questions, feedback and advice in the comments. Good luck!
