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USB port on a Smart Hub 2 for disk drive?

EvelynCy — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 17:27:03 GMT

Hi,

So those of you with one will probably know that the Smart Hub 2 has a USB port on it, which some users have reported being able to use as network storage (it would appear BT officially only lists it as being used to charge devices like mobiles).

I know the address for this USB is supposed to be 192.168.1.254/usb1, however I was wondering if its possible to use this port for a disk reader rather than a storage device. The reason for this being that neither my desktop tower nor laptop have disk drives built in (the tower doesn't even have space for one). I have a spare external disk drive but it feels like it would serve its use better if its connected to the network itself and left in one place, rather than constantly moving it between devices to plug in.

Can the Smart Hub read a disk drive, or is this just wishful thinking?

Re: USB port on a Smart Hub 2 for disk drive?

WSH — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 21:23:42 GMT

To use the USB ports as a network drive the SH2 would have to support a network comms protocol like SMB. I might be wrong but I'm pretty sure it doesn’t support that, so no it won’t work.

Re: USB port on a Smart Hub 2 for disk drive?

chrisjp — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 22:11:52 GMT

If neither your desktop tower or laptop have built-in disk drives, from what do they boot up the operating system? I've never heard of any computer made within the last 30 years that does not have a disk drive.

Re: USB port on a Smart Hub 2 for disk drive?

gg30340 — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 22:37:10 GMT

@chrisjp

I suspect that the OP is referring to a DVD disk drive where as you would appear to be referring to a HDD Hard Disk Drive or an SSD Solid State Drive.

Nearly all modern laptops and computers do not come fitted with a DVD disk drive as CDs and DVD are yesterdays technology and are rarely used. Portable USB DVD drives are still available and are relatively cheap.

Re: USB port on a Smart Hub 2 for disk drive?

Crimliar — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 07:07:31 GMT

It's not common for routers to support optical drives with removable media. If my Asus router doesn't support my UHD-Bluray Archival drive, I doubt the BT SH2 will!