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Forum Discussion

martyfp's avatar
martyfp
Luminary
Jul 11, 2017

USB for file sharing

Now that the RBR50 USB port is enabled for printer sharing; what are the chances of support for file sharing via a USB drive?
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DarrenM's avatar
DarrenM
Sr. NETGEAR Moderator
Jul 12, 2017

Hello Martyfp

 

It is a great suggestion but I do not have any info at this time.

 

DarrenM

  • Andyx's avatar
    Andyx
    Guide
    Oct 09, 2017

    I just found this post and am very disappointed to see that Netgear has no plans to support file sharing from the USB port on the Orbi.

     

    I just purchased the Orbi RBK50 to replace my Netgear WNDR4200V2 that I used as a DLNA media server using a USB drive connected to the USB Port.  I just assumed that since the Orbi had a USB Port and that previous Netgear products supported DLNA media file sharing from that port, that the Orbi would so as well.  Now I have to either rethink owning the Orbi, or spend another $150 for a Network Attached Storage drive.  Very disappointing.

     

    How can we get NetGear management's attention to correct this deficiency?

    • martyfp's avatar
      martyfp
      Luminary
      Oct 09, 2017

      I expect that USB-drives will be supported eventually - but I am not holding my breath.

       

      In the meantime, I got my son to rig me up a Raspberry-Pi as a NAS and Print server and this works just fine.  

    • Cable_Guy's avatar
      Cable_Guy
      Initiate
      Dec 16, 2017

      I just bought an Orbi RBK30 assuming that bc past models were compatible with USB connected devices, the latest tech would incorporate it also. I am very disappointed at this oversight from Netgear, who has in the past been a leading brand in WiFi products. I will be returning it tomorrow and switching to another Mesh tech router system that allows file storage over WiFi to a usb connected external harddrive. 

       

      Thanks for the post confirming my fears.

       

      Good luck!

       

       

       

      • Andyx's avatar
        Andyx
        Guide
        Dec 16, 2017

        Hi Cable Guy.  Before you return it, you probably should contact Netgear Support -- ask specifically for Orbi support.  I was told a few weeks ago by support when I complained about the missing USB file-sharing that it was now (or soon to be) available.. 

         

        I haven't followed-up myself because I solved my DLNA media-sharing need by using my previous Netgear router as a switch (by connecting it to the Orbi using a regular ethernet port, turning off the DHCP, and changing the default IP address).  And, in the process, I gained a few extra Ethernet ports.  If you do follow-up, please report back.

         

        By the way, I am enjoying my Orbi.  It has a very strong signal just as a standalone, and having two of them placed at opposite ends of my house has done well.  However, I was suprised that the mesh and MU-MIMO were not turned on by default (at least not on my router).  I was having some surprising performance issues and the Netgear specialist guided me to them which fixed the problems.

    • Rapa97's avatar
      Rapa97
      Initiate
      May 08, 2018
      We need the file sharing!!! Is absurd to have this expensive router system without that function!!