Can a USB external SSD be used as a NAS

[Yucca]

Hi all

I have an iMac and two Macbooks all connected to my wired home network. I use iphoto, icloud drive and also have files locally on each device.

I want storage I can leave plugged into my switch permanantly so all 3 devices can automatically and frequently back theyselves up using time machine. I also want to create an iphoto/icloud manual back up on to the same hard drive (in case the apple cloud ever looses my files/pictures).

I understand SSD's are faster, smaller and more reliable. Can I connect a USB external SSD to my switch and use it as a NAS to do the above. Like this one: https://www.overclockers.co.uk/seag...ternal-solid-state-drive-black-hd-3ck-se.html

Or does it have to be a NAS enclosure with a network port with SSD drives? These seem to be way more expensive and bigger.

 

[Yucca]

It will depend on what functionality whatever you're plugging it in to has. You say switch, what device do you mean? I suspect it's a multi function device from your ISP that acts as router, WAP and switch, potentially modem too? These often have USB ports, and allow them to be shared over your network. The storage type on the other side of the USB in this scenario should be irrelevant.

Ok, not sure I understood much of that lol. Please excuse my lack of knowlidge on this stuff... you may have to spoon feed me here.

I have a Virgin media router (cable not broadband). Thats plugged into a 16 port gigabit switch (tp link TL-SG116). Then I have network cables that run from the switch, through the walls, into each room of the house. So to connect to the network and internet each device plugs a network cable into the socket on the wall.

The switch has no USB port, hence the question. I assume a normal NAS comes with a network port on the back of it which you would use to connect to my switch via a cat 6 cable.

Just checked. My Virgin router does not have a USB port either!

 

[Yucca]

My router has no USB port mate. So surly I cant connect any storage device to it?

 

[Yucca]

Errr defo dont have the skills for a raspberry pi set up. Thanks for your advice Zefan.

I will wait till someone else comes along who can better advise me on the cheapest form of a SSD NAS.