If you look at the rear of your router, you will likely find a USB port. Usually, a router connects to the latest over Ethernet to give it Internet service.
Then why does my router have a USB port? A USB port is now standard on the majority of newer Wi-Fi routers for both the home and office.
Wireless routers such as Asus AC1300 and Linksys WRT3200ACM are actually capable of providing this service. It includes a USB 3.0 port. What is the purpose of USB ports on Wi-Fi routers?
Why Does My Router Have a USB Port?
USB ports on Wi-Fi routers allow for the addition of additional features. You can use your router as a NAS because it has a USB port. It serves as both a file server and a low-power charger.
You can also use it to install firmware updates manually and share printers with devices connected to the network. Additionally, you can back up your files wirelessly from your PC.
You can connect hard disks and USBs to routers through their USB ports. This allows LAN users to exchange and view files from mobile and desktop.
In fact, USB ports can be utilized to charge cellphones and other low-power gadgets. It’s also possible to utilize the router’s USB port to run a laptop cooler in order to keep the router from burning. In hot climates, this is especially helpful because it improves airflow around a router.
Benefits of Router Have USB Port
The USB port on the back of your router may have left you rolling your eyes. Today, we’ll go over a few of the benefits of having a router USB port.
Printing from a Router’s USB Port
The vast majority of printers on the market today have Wi-Fi printing capabilities built right in. As a result, you may easily print to it while connected to the Wi-Fi network from anywhere.
But what if you have an old printer? It can only print if it is physically connected to a computer. Sometimes it can be a real pain. You may just plug your old printer into your router’s USB port.
So, that printer can now be added to your router’s setup. The printer is directly connected to your network. You just gave that old printer a whole new purpose. The printer is accessible to all on the network.
Attached Storage Network
When we want to send someone a file, we usually attach it to an email and send it that way. You can put it on Google Drive and ask them to download it, or you can put it on a flash drive and hand it to them in person.
Yes, all of that works fine, but it isn’t very efficient. Network Attached Storage (NAS) can be created with the use of a USB port on the router (NAS).
What you’re really getting here is a network-accessible hard drive. You’ll be protected by a system that’s both built-in and depending on the level of access you have.
Some objects can be read, and others can be read and written to, while some are off-limits. So you can keep your files safe and maintain their integrity.
Media Servers
If you use a different router software, you can use the NAS as a media server. When you post images, music, or videos online, this is what we’re referring to. They can be accessed on your smart TV, PC, and other networked devices.
How does that actually work? It’s as simple as plugging in an external hard disc to your router’s back. Then, you get into your router’s application and set up the external storage.
Backups using your router’s USB port
What is the one item that we often neglect in our everyday routine? We only recall it when we really need to find something. It would be a lot easier if your router had a USB port behind it.
To begin, connect an external hard drive to your router’s USB port. Then, set up the software to automatically back up your PC’s files. Everything that you pick is included here.
Then all it will do is back up your files. You’ve got the program, the hardware, and a USB port, so go ahead and do it!
Connectivity of Modems
Not every router can do it, so it’s a little bit of an unknown. If you have a USB port available, you can access the internet with a cellular 4G modem. If your primary ISP is offline, you may also configure it to transfer internet traffic to mobile data.
Update Router Firmware
When it comes to routers, most of them can be auto-updated, but some of them have a tendency to lock themselves. In addition, firmware changes cause a great deal of concern for them.
You can also use the USB port on the router to perform firmware updates. Make sure you have a flash drive with you when you download the firmware. If this is your first time doing this, you will need to refer to your router’s user guide for specific instructions.
Charging with low power
You can charge it over USB if you’ve got a low-powered device like a cell phone. It can’t power high-powered devices. Also, you can use this to prevent overcharging your gadgets. As an alternative, if you don’t want to use a wall socket to charge your phone.
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How Many USB Ports Available in a Router?
A home router should offer 1-2 USB ports for external hard drives and charging. However, a workplace router should feature between two and four USB ports for connecting various office devices.
For instance, printers, scanners, and backup devices that are shared over a network. Also, there are two different kinds of USB ports on the router. It’s related to USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 Wi-Fi routers.
Also, USB 3.0 ports differ from their 2.0 counterparts in that they have a newer, slimmer design. There are a total of four wires in the USB 2.0 connector. Which means it can transfer data at a rate of 480 Mbps.
In contrast, USB 3.0 offers a total of nine connectors. So it can transfer data much faster, up to 5 Gbits/s.
Final Thoughts
The router’s USB connection lets you share a gadget on your system. This means that it can be used by more than one person or device simultaneously.
There is a wide range of applications, but perhaps the most common is sharing a printer or external disk drive. That can’t be linked to a wireless network.
There are also other uses, like being able to charge devices that don’t need much power. There is an extra option to install firmware and upgrades and a backup cellular connection if your primary internet link goes down.
You can use the USB port on your router for any purpose, no matter what. As a starting point, we suggest reading the manual to make sure everything works as it should. So, the router won’t be affected by a non-supported device.
