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<p>You have to do some initial setup yes, like setting up SMB protocol, username/password and such</p><p><br></p><p>After that, just connect your USB, and connect to it through \\IP_of_LINKSYS</p><p>The USB will be there.</p><p>However, I found the speeds low (even when the device and ports are USB3), and after a while, it's not even there anymore (reboot Linksys). Very bothersome.</p>
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how do I set up SMB protocol etc
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brian ramos

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If this is an ongoing need, I/M/O it would be easier and more reliable over the long run (and much more flexible) to buy a cheap used thin client, put minimal Windows on it, and use that. &nbsp;It will also give you up to six USB ports to attach things to, e.g. HP T5740.
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<p>Indeed, I already mentioned using the Linksys could be bothersome. If you want an even cheaper solution, go for a Raspberry Pi.</p>
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That was why I said a <i>used</i> thin client. &nbsp;They are cheap, and locally can be had for a few dollars at the recycler.<br />
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A used HP T5740 with six USB ports, which will run either linux or Windows, can be had off fleabay for $18 - $25 delivered.<br />
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A Raspberry Pi with four USB ports which only runs linux, plus a cheap power supply and cheap case, will run about $40.<br />
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As always, you pays your money and you takes your choice. &nbsp;YMMV.
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I heard I need to map the drive or something ? I want to plug in a flash drive and be able to access its contents and copy and paste it on to multiple computers. how to do this ?
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I heard I need to map the drive or something ? I want to plug in a flash drive and be able to access its contents and copy and paste it on to multiple computers. how to do this ?

how to map a flash drive on those Linksys smart router

A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks. Routers perform the "traffic directing" functions on the Internet. The most familiar type of routers are home and small office cable or DSL routers that simply pass data, such as web pages, email, IM, and videos between computers and the Internet. More sophisticated routers, such as enterprise routers, connect large business or ISP networks up to the powerful core routers that forward data at high speed along the optical fiber lines of the Internet backbone. Though routers are typically dedicated hardware devices, use of software-based routers has grown increasingly common.

Routers

Networking hardware includes the physical devices facilitating the use of a computer network. Typically, networking hardware includes gateways, routers, network bridges, modems, wireless access points, networking cables, line drivers, switches, hubs, and repeaters. But it also includes hybrid network devices such as multilayer switches, protocol converters, bridge routers, proxy servers, firewalls, network address translators, multiplexers, network interface controllers, wireless network interface controllers, ISDN terminal adapters and other related hardware.