USB port on router? Actiontec M424-wr
rwwilly
Enthusiast - Level 1

Can I plug a printer into that port?   would prefer to do that instead of setting up a network.  The printer is older and doesn't have a rj 45 connector, just USB.

From what I gather, very little clear info on this.  The port maybe only for external hard drives.

Any info would be great, thanks

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Re: USB port on router? Actiontec M424-wr
dslr595148
Community Leader
Community Leader

#1 No, you can not connect a printer to that port.

#2 To connect your printer to the network, you could get a dedicated print server.

OR connect the printer to your computer, and share your printer over the network with your OS...

Re: USB port on router? Actiontec M424-wr
VZ_Christian
Contributor - Level 2

@rwwilly wrote:

Can I plug a printer into that port?   would prefer to do that instead of setting up a network.  The printer is older and doesn't have a rj 45 connector, just USB.

From what I gather, very little clear info on this.  The port maybe only for external hard drives.

Any info would be great, thanks


rwwilly,

The current Actiontec firmware does not have print server software included so you would be unable to setup a network printer that way even if the USB port was active (which it currently is not).  dslr595148 is correct in stating that, with your current printer, your two options for networking it would be either print sharing via your OS or purchasing a seperate print server to attach to your in-home network.

Regards,

Chris

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Re: USB port on router? Actiontec M424-wr
rwwilly
Enthusiast - Level 1

Thanks for the responces.  Very helpful.

So, my USB port IS NOT Active!  Or can I plug a hard drive into it and then map the drive.  I think this would be better to network then file sharing?

Any thoughts?  Thanks again.

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Re: USB port on router? Actiontec M424-wr
VZ_Christian
Contributor - Level 2

@rwwilly wrote:

Thanks for the responces.  Very helpful.

So, my USB port IS NOT Active!  Or can I plug a hard drive into it and then map the drive.  I think this would be better to network then file sharing?

Any thoughts?  Thanks again.


 rwwilly,


Correct- the USB port is NOT active.


Regards,

Chris

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Re: USB port on router? Actiontec M424-wr
rvaughanw
Newbie

Are there any plans to update the firmware and/or unlock the USB port to allow for printer sharing or network access storage?  I'm very interested in plugging a USB drive into my router for more accessible storage.

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Re: USB port on router? Actiontec M424-wr
prisaz
Legend

@rvaughanw wrote:

Are there any plans to update the firmware and/or unlock the USB port to allow for printer sharing or network access storage?  I'm very interested in plugging a USB drive into my router for more accessible storage.


Not likely. On many routers there was an option to plug into the usb and it would show up in the device list instead of running it through a nic.

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Re: USB port on router? Actiontec M424-wr
Flaco1
Newbie

Mines doesn't do that at all,.... running XP & a Win 7 Laptops,.... & all I am trying to do is to conncet a external HD so both can access it threw the router... any help?

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Re: USB port on router? Actiontec M424-wr
viafax999
Community Leader
Community Leader

@Flaco wrote:

Mines doesn't do that at all,.... running XP & a Win 7 Laptops,.... & all I am trying to do is to conncet a external HD so both can access it threw the router... any help?


Add another router to your network, ensuring first that it has an active usb port that supports your need.

None of the Verizon Fios routers have active usb ports.

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Re: USB port on router? Actiontec M424-wr
JDoe5
Specialist - Level 1
From the manual... "USB Port The USB port provides up to 5 VDC for attached devices (to charge a cell phone, for example). In the future, with a firmware release upgrade, the USB host functionality will be available for devices such as external storage and cameras."
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