Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2015 14:51 Post subject: Low cost router with USB for NAS
Hi, I need a cheap router that has a USB port for a HDD and that will run dd-wrt.
I don't need a real NAS server, I just want an HDD on the router for daily backups from win8.1 devices. Two laptops + tablet to keep all three in synch.
I keep finding suitable routers on Amazon with model numbers listed in the dd-wrt database, but the current ones are all later V-numbers and not supported by dd-wrt.
I have two bricked routers here after trying to flash dd-wrt, so decided it is time to ask.
It depends quite a bit on your definition of cheap. I have two TP-Link models, both of which I consider pretty cheap for what they offer.
The tl-wr1043nd v2 has a USB2 port, 2.4ghz n450 (though TP-Link advertises as n300), and is about $45. Flashing dd-wrt was quick and easy. It doesn't support 4k sectors though, so I can't use my 5tb drive with it (I could likely get around this by using 512kb sectors and multiple partitions). V1.x and v2 are easily distinguishable, as the case is significantly different.
The Archer c7 v2 is ac1750, has two usb2 ports, and works with 4k sectors for about $100. It also adds minidlna support.
It depends quite a bit on your definition of cheap.
Thanks, $45 is at the mid to upper range of cheap for me, so the tl-wr1043nd would work just fine.
Is it possible for dd-wrt to encrypt/decrypt the data going on and off the USB drive? I'd hate for the drive to be stolen. Nothing of National importance but private letters, banking reports etc that we would like to keep private.
Currently I am using an old laptop and Linux+Samba as the "server," but something attached to the router would be much more simple, providing I can equally ensure our privacy.
I have no clue on encryption. I don't recall seeing anything in the GUI options though. If you do go this route, I highly recommend ext2 or ext3 over NTFS. Personally, I left a small NTFS partition with a windows driver for my main ext3 partition.
I'd be concerned that even if there's a way to load some sort of encryption package, your criteria for a low-cost router solution would, most likely, leave you without sufficient resources (horsepower) to support it. Or, at least, perform to your satisfaction. Just something to consider. _________________ NetGear XR500 - FW Version: DD-WRT v3.0-r55819 std (04/17/24)
Linux 6.1.86 #130 SMP Wed Apr 17 05:48:30 +07 2024 armv7l
Updated from: DD-WRT v3.0-55779 std (04/12/24) via GUI (FF), NO reset
Gateway: SmartDNS, DDNS (FreeDNS), IPv4 DHCP, Static leases, SFE Disabled, QoS Disabled
AP: 2.4GHz NG-Mixed 40MHz, 5GHz AC/N-Mixed 80MHz, WPA2 w/ AES, MAC filtering, Isolated Guest VAP on wlan1, Vanilla FW
Services: USB Storage, NAS, Samba
Storage: Samsung Portable SSD T7 Shield USB 3.2 2TB, /jffs, /opt, /data (ext4)
Thanks, I don't think power would be an issue. It is only used for nightly backups and morning restores to synch everything.
The backup turns the PCs/Tablet off when finished and the restore auto-starts while I go off to eat breakfast. As long as it completes about 2MB of transfers in less than twenty minutes it will be fine.
As I mentioned in the OP, we are not streaming stuff, just backing up files.
The tl-wr1043nd v2 has a USB2 port, 2.4ghz n450 (though TP-Link advertises as n300), and is about $45. Flashing dd-wrt was quick and easy.
Houston, we may have a problem. On the strength of your comment I ordered one and it just arrived BUT it is V2.1. I can't find a version of dd-wrt in the database for it or any v2.
You say you flashed it easily, but what version did you flash it with?
But it doesn't state v1 or v2. Having flashed and trashed a Buffalo router some time back by missing that significance, I don't want to do it again. But I can't return this one so am really hoping I can get a dd-wrt for it.
I have read that OpenWrt have a version that works for v2+, but I am not a fan of OpenWrt and need it to be a dd-wrt router.
OK, thanks for that I will check some other topics, but will use r27596 you suggested as a starting point. I suspect the minor upgrade number to 2.1 will not make a huge difference. It would be prudent to first check what I can then risk it if I can't find anything specific against going with the v2.
Much appreciated but will also report back to this thread to assist others that may come along with the same issue since 2.1 of the router is now the norm for purchasing as new.
It is a bit cheaper than the $45 quoted on this thread and it works. I have v2. It was not supported when I got the router but it is supported now. I'm running dd-wrt on it and it runs like a dream.
I'm having a hard time getting my usb printer on the device but that's another story...
Thanks, specifically, which download are you using? I may get one as I'd like to replace a bridged router currently running OpenWrt (not a fan of it) that will not run dd-wrt.
I could get the TL-WR841ND ($20-Amazon) as that bridged router would not need the USB port. I assume the TL-WR842ND and TL-WR841ND are pretty much identical other than that. Yes? No?
