Question 1

I want to make sure this item is what I'm looking for.

I want an enclosure that I can insert a hard drive into (physically), then plug the enclosure into my router/modem to be used as a network drive shared across all computers on that network.

Will this enclosure allow me do the what is asked above?

Accepted Answer

the answer is yes and no depending on the circumstances. if your router has  the capacity to "mount" drives then the answer is yes (all other things being equal). in order to "mount" the drive your router has to have a semblance of an operating system so it can detect and usually format drives although it is sometimes limited to Linux OSes. obviously the router has to have the ability to "share" the attached drive so it can be seen on the network. beware, not all routers that have USB connections share those drives on the network. only your router manual has the final answer.

Question 2

Can I use this to backup multiple PCs?

Accepted Answer

You can plug it into one PC, make backup, unplug it and then plug in to another PC,
make another bacukp, unplug and so on.

Question 3

Can the device be both a USB attached hard drive and serve files from the Ethernet connect at the same time?

Accepted Answer

I have never tired this connection but, you have me curious, I will drop the manufacture a note. I have used them (3 up and online all the time) for both USB adn Eithernet but not at the same time.

Questions & Answers