Why (not) connect a network hard drive directly to a router?

Iwannahurl

Hi.

I have a PC upstairs and a laptop downstairs. I do a lot of digital photography as well as a good deal of web searching and file downloads.

While I already backup photos and important files onto my JBOD arrangement (a few USB portables) I now want to do a routine scheduled backup from both laptop and PC.

I'm considering the Iomega 2TB network hard drive, but I'm unsure as to the best way(s) to use it.

Why is a network hard drive plugged directly into the router? Is this an option or a requirement?

At the moment my router is in an awkward spot (under the kids toy cupboard, next to the UPC cable/broadband box) so I'm disinclined to site a network hard drive there.

Can I just site it elsewhere and network it using NetGear Powerline adapters, for example? Would not connecting the network hard drive directly to the router limit its capabilities in any way?

fionny

You wont get the same speed over the powerline adaptors, but other then that there is no real reason why you couldnt put it elsewhere.

Iwannahurl

Thanks.

One of the claims made for the Iomega is that you can access the files on it from anywhere in the world. I presume that would still be possible without the network drive connected directly to the router?

Overheal

Iwannahurl wrote: »

Thanks.

One of the claims made for the Iomega is that you can access the files on it from anywhere in the world. I presume that would still be possible without the network drive connected directly to the router?

Yes, either through knowing the direct IP to the HDD or by using Iomega's DNS service which I bet you need to pay a subscription for. The same way I can remotely access my laptop from around the world with logmein, I just have to make sure its on. I can only WakeOnLAN something if it has a direct ethernet connection. a Powerline ethernet link would be the same thing.

Assuming your Iomega is always on or otherwise in standby mode though it should connect just fine though.

Capt'n Midnight

Iwannahurl wrote: »

One of the claims made for the Iomega is that you can access the files on it from anywhere in the world.

And so could anyone else is they have your logon details
or there is a vulnerability

so don't leave important documents on it , unless they are encypted with something and I don't mean the weak security of things like password you can put on office documents

fionny

Basically any machine is available world wide if the firewall allows it and you know the IP address.

Capt'n Midnight

fionny wrote: »

Basically any machine is available world wide if the firewall allows it and you know the IP address.

difference is that routers may not have the same security options that computers have and it tends to be all or nothing access

if you were sharing files from a pc you could choose how to share them,, you aren't limited to a simple file share, encrypted folders (encfs etc.) and vpns are good too