Network storage of files over the network to watch films on the TV and backup

Hello!

Thank you for your articles, very helpful. But I have not found the answer to the question I am interested in.

I want to create a home network file storage, with minimal costs. From the available equipment I have a laptop on win7 (not a server), a router tp link tl-wr841n (no USB), a modern TV with Wi-Fi and media player, and a couple of external hard disks for 500 gb.

To watch movies on TV and back up the laptop data requires constant “poking” disks in the laptop and in the TV. Which is not convenient and harmful for the connectors.

How can I network all these devices for storage purposes? I would like to connect external disks in a network and have constant access to them through the home network from different devices. What hardware do I need to purchase? Is it possible to make do with inexpensive aliexpress accessories for the router and turn it into a mini-server?

Thanks in advance.

Answer

Good day. You need a NAS. Network storage. Even if your TP-LINK TL-WR841N router had two USB ports and you bought pockets for hard disks, you would hardly be able to connect two disks. If you got a powerful router, you wouldn’t have a problem with one disk, I think.

I don’t know what “inexpensive accessories from Aliexpress” you’re writing about, I’ve never ordered anything like that from there, so I can’t advise you. Maybe there is something there. Search for “NAS”. But again, I am not familiar with these devices.

Well, if you build a NAS yourself, it is very expensive. There is the same board need, and processor, system to put, customize, etc. And ready-made ones cost a lot.

And other options I do not see.