Many people in Europe have a router in their home. It is an essential device to have an Internet connection, at least if it is via cable, and the truth is that it is a device that has many possibilities of use. In general, The operators themselves offer one to their customers to use, although brands like Google, Acer or Amazon also have their own alternatives.
Vendor models and those from other manufacturers may have a USB port, and the truth is that it may have more uses than it seems. However, it must be taken into account that, if the router is the same as that provided by the operator, you may have some limitations. Some models, like Amazon’s eero, even rely on USB Type C instead of conventional USB.
This port, combined with the device’s connection capabilities, allows you to do even more things with the router, and even allows save space and time on daily tasks such as sharing files or printing a document.
Updates
Another purpose that this USB memory located in many routers can have is to update its firmware. After all, it is not strange that the manufacturer, after a while since its launch, can launch a new version that further protects the device or even brings something new to it.
To find out if the router is updated, you need to access the router information using the browser and typing 192.168.1.1 in the address bar. When login credentials are entered, You will be able to access relevant information such as the model and its characteristicsor the version of the software you have installed.
ASUS RT-AC3100 Router
Omicron
Typically, if an update is available, the new software is obtained through the router manufacturer’s website. After downloading it, all you have to do is follow the installation instructions to update it. Each model is different and other guidelines may need to be followed, so it is always best to consult the guide for the specific model of the device we have. There are cases in which the update process is even more convenient, since the user is informed that one is available when he opens the router manager.
Network devices
Thanks to its connection capabilities, it is possible to use the router’s USB to enjoy sharing network devices. For example, you can create a home NAS by connecting a USB memory or hard drive to it. By accessing the router’s administration screen in the browser, as in the previous case, you will be able to see all the files in the connected storage.
Logically, the use of these files is subject to the limitations of each router. This is one of the most interesting uses, since it allows you to create a sort of private cloud for family use in a fairly simple way. With the use of third-party apps like Kodi, You can even access these files from the TV. It also depends, to some extent, on the model you have and how the manufacturer has intended this use. You may need to enable it in the router’s admin panel.
Likewise, it can be used to have a network printer that anyone in the house connected to that Wi-Fi network can use. If there are several computers at home, the printing process will be much more comfortable, because each person will be able to print files without having to go to the computer closest to the printer.
Charge
Like virtually any other USB port, this one can be used to charge a device as if it were an outlet. This can be useful if there is no other charging port available and we need to connect a device.
The charging power will not be very high, since it is an auxiliary USB. That is why Charging a mobile from zero to 100% using the router can take a long time, so if you’re trying to charge your phone, it might be a good idea to turn it off so it goes faster. It is a simple way to take advantage of this USB port, and it may be more advisable for devices such as headphones or watches, in which great power is not necessary for charging and which do not have much of battery capacity.
There are some alternative uses which, in more specific cases, also allow you to take advantage of this USB port. One of them is that, If there is no connection at home, it is possible to connect a USB modem so that the router distributes its signal to the house so that there is internet again.
Likewise, it is possible to automate computer backups so that they are directly transferred to the USB memory connected to the router and, in this way, they are saved in a different location than the computer so that They remain more secure.
