Ask Our Experts: Connect USB External Drives Wirelessly?

Can external hard drives become network-attached storage over Wi-Fi?

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Ask Our Experts: Connect USB External Drives Wirelessly? #1
Are there any Wi-Fi access points with USB ports that would let me use my two external hard drives as network-attached storage?
Dan Erni, via e-mail
Senior Editor Yardena Arar responds: You could use USB port-equipped routers in access-point mode, but you'd need one router for each drive (you can't attach a USB hub to a router's USB port). You'd also have to back up each drive, as the software needed to make them into network-attached storage would destroy your data.
Avoid the hassles with IO Gear's $160 Wireless USB Hub and Adapter kit, which uses ultrawideband wireless technology to enable a high-speed, short-range (ideally within 15 to 20 feet) hookup. It's fast, and it saves you from reformatting the drives.
E-mail your question to askourexperts@pcworld.com or post it online at our forums.



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