Visitor

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2 Messages

Saturday, September 13th, 2025

How to connect a USB HD to XB8 router?

I currently have it connected to an old router set up as an AP. I would rather have it directly connected some way. 

1) I read that there are USB to Ethernet adapters that would work. If so I need a recommendation please. 

2) The solution would have to be able to power the HD.

Thoughts? 

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Gold Problem Solver

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26.7K Messages

2 hours ago

... USB to Ethernet adapters ... The solution would have to be able to power the HD. ...

The USB ports on Comcast/Xfinity's gateway devices don't pass data, they only supply 5VDC. The Ethernet ports pass data of course, but not power. The hard drive would need to be powered in some other way. If the drive expects a USB connection to provide bother power and data, you'll need some sort of adapter or a different drive. 

Please be aware that there are 2 kinds of responses in this Forum: Replies and Comments. When you Comment on a post by scrolling down to "Comment on this post here...", I am notified of your response. But if you select Reply, I am NOT notified and may not be aware of your response.

Visitor

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2 Messages

55 minutes ago

Yes that is the problem. I would need a different drive or some sort of POE injector, and some kind of USB-ethernet adapter.

I think some adapters or switches come powered. That might solve the problem. Have a recommendation? Would that work? 

Or just keep things as they are. 

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