How can I access my external hard drive online?

An external hard drive is a data storage device that can store digital data and can be attached to your computer through a USB port.  This article will provide you with instructions on how to connect and map your external hard drive to your network for easy access.

Sharing the external hard drive to the network

Mapping the external hard drive

NOTE:  In this article, Windows® 7 is used.

Step 1:

Connect the external hard drive to the USB port of your server or computer that is always ON

IMPORTANT:  Take note of your server or computer’s IP Address as it will be used to map the shared hard drive on your network.

Step 2:

Click the Start button, then click Computer.  The external hard drive should be displayed.

How can I access my external hard drive online?
 

Step 3:

Right-click on the external drive, then select Share with.  Click Advanced sharing….

How can I access my external hard drive online?
 

Step 4:

Click the Advanced Sharing… button.

How can I access my external hard drive online?
 

Step 5:

Check the Share this folder option.  Click Add and then enter a name for the folder or drive you want to share.

NOTE:  In this example, Shared_Storage is entered as the name of the external hard drive.

 

How can I access my external hard drive online?

Step 6:

Click the Permissions button.

Step 7:

Select the Everyone option.  This drive will be accessible to everyone connected to your network.

How can I access my external hard drive online?
 

Step 8:

Check the Allow boxes next to Full Control, Change or Read option.

 

How can I access my external hard drive online?

Step 9:

Click the Apply button and then click OK to close the User Settings window.

Step 10:

Click OK to close the Permission window.

Step 11:

Click Close to exit the Advanced Sharing window.

The external drive is now connected and shared over the network.

Step 1:

In another computer that is connected to your network, click Computer and then click Map network drive.

How can I access my external hard drive online?

Step 2:

In the Map Network Drive pop-up window, enter “\\server_address\sharename” on the Folder field, check the Reconnect at logon checkbox and click Finish

NOTE:  In this example, \\192.168.1.138\Shared_Storage was used.  This is the IP Address of the shared external hard drive.

How can I access my external hard drive online?
 

The contents of the mapped network drive should display.

How can I access my external hard drive online?
 

Your mapped network drive shortcut should now be accessible in the Computer window.

How can I access my external hard drive online?
 

Optimizing your network

Today, more and more devices require wireless connection for mobility purposes.  To avoid lags and low signal quality, you would need a fast and reliable router that is capable of handling these increasing demands.  The Linksys EA6500 AC1750 Dual-Band Smart Wi-Fi Wireless Routerlets you access the Internet via wired and wireless connection.  It is also ideal for media-centric applications such as streaming video, gaming, and Voice over Internet Phone (VoIP).  To know more about this, click on the links below:

Getting to know the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router, EA6500
Linksys EA6500 AC1750 Dual-Band Smart Wi-Fi Wireless Router Frequently Asked Questions


Related Article:

Connecting a portable storage device to your network

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