USB for file sharing

[martyfp]

Now that the RBR50 USB port is enabled for printer sharing; what are the chances of support for file sharing via a USB drive?

[DarrenM]

Hello Martyfp

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

DarrenM

[Andyx]

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]

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]

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]

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]

We need the file sharing!!! Is absurd to have this expensive router system without that function!!

[BobDuke]

Have you tried USB file sharing? 

I did some testing a while back.   See this thread https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Does-Orbi-RBK50-support-USB-Connected-hard-drives/td-p/1332052

[tsig]

@Rapa97

when you bought it you knew it was a supported function

[mith_it]

Please bump up this request

[FURRYe38]

@DarrenM