Using WNDR3700 as a hub - still access USB?

[aricjonho]

I'm using my Netgear WNDR3700 as an access point (or hub?) in my home networking setup, and I'd like to use the USB feature as well.

Through CenturyLink, I have a Technicolor C2100 router. They were pretty adamant that I had to use their router, attached to their Fiber Optic modem. And that I couldn't also use my Netgear as a router. Sort of a confusing headache/interaction with them. (This has a USB port on it that's been disabled...)

My Netgear router is plugged into the Technicolor router, and I'm not using the WAN port. I did some initial setup where I disabled the DHCP server stuff in the Netgear setup page. 

So the system's been working fine, I just have multiple access points, and better wireless coverage in the house, and all of the devices are able to talk to each other.

I have a Seagate external hard drive with it's own power source, and I'd like to plug it into the Netgear device, and be able to access the files. Is this possible?

Thanks for any help you can provide! Let me know if I can clarify anything!

Warmly,

Aric

[ElaineM · Accepted solution]

Which port is it connected? You may want to trace which port is it connected on the main router then use that IP address and include the share name like 192.168.1.x\share_name

If that didn't work, you can always assign static IP address on the router even if the DHCP is disabled. 

You may reset the router to get the DHCP back then access it then assign use a static IP address that it's in the same range of your first router under LAN IP setup. Once done, disable the DHCP, connect the cable back and you should now be able to access it using the IP address that you have assigned. By the way, make sure that when you assign an IP address it does not conflict with the DHCP range of your first router. 

[ElaineM]

Hi @aricjonho

Welcome to the community!

Yes, you may try accessing it through \\readyshare\share_name 

You may also use the IP address that was assigned to it plus the share name like \\192.168.1.1\USB_Storage

Kindly verify the IP from your main router and once you have it, you should be able to access the admin page of the router and verify the share name under USB Storage settings. 

[aricjonho]

Thanks Elaine for your response!

I tried both of your suggestions previously, and again just now, they didn't work for me. i.e. didn't recognize those addresses.

I know the main router maps off of 192.168.0.xxx, it's address is 192.168.0.1.

I remember I used to access the netgear settings from 192.168.1.1, but since I've disabled DHCP, I don't quite understand how to access it anymore. The 192.168.1.1 doesn't seem to go to it anymore, and even when I disconnect it completely, and hardwire to my pc, I haven't been able to bring the settings up again.

When I access my main router, and look at the device table, it's actually not clear what the netgear device's address is. Based on the following...

I can tell that it's working, as "Ethernet 3" is what the netgear router is plugged into, but I'm not sure about it's actual address? Are hubs or access points assigned an address? Is there something I can do make that happen?

Thanks again so much!

[ElaineM · Accepted solution]

Which port is it connected? You may want to trace which port is it connected on the main router then use that IP address and include the share name like 192.168.1.x\share_name

If that didn't work, you can always assign static IP address on the router even if the DHCP is disabled. 

You may reset the router to get the DHCP back then access it then assign use a static IP address that it's in the same range of your first router under LAN IP setup. Once done, disable the DHCP, connect the cable back and you should now be able to access it using the IP address that you have assigned. By the way, make sure that when you assign an IP address it does not conflict with the DHCP range of your first router. 

[aricjonho]

Okay, after a few more trials, I ended up resetting the router, reaccessing the netgear setup, and double checked things.

Assigned it an address at 192.168.0.254, verified the USB was working, resetup wireless networks, and then disabled dhcp.

Plugged everything back in, network appears to be working normally, I can now access both of the router setup pages. USB is working for a couple of my flash drives (access on the network via \\readyshare), but isn't working for my external hard drive. It might be too old? Some similar devices are listed as compatible here. Oh well, different topic though.

Thanks again Elaine!

[ElaineM]

You're welcome! 🙂