Is it worth upgrading my router?
Is it worth upgrading my router?
I reside in the UK and have relied on a BT Home Hub 5 for over six years. I attempted to connect a flash drive via its USB port as a network storage device, but encountered an issue. Windows no longer supports SMBv1 because of security concerns, and this router doesn't handle SMBv2 or SMB3. What's the optimal approach? Should upgrading the router be worthwhile considering better speeds, coverage, and enhanced security? Any guidance would be invaluable.
For improved coverage, speed and security I agree. USB ports on routers can be unreliable and inconsistent. I haven’t used any router USB ports due to the problems you mentioned. For network storage, consider Ethernet-based solutions. My main worry with a 6-year-old router is whether it still receives firmware updates. Last year WPA2 was compromised, so if it hasn’t been updated, that’s a big concern. That’s why I upgraded myself to a better router.
It looks like many businesses are moving away from USB flash drives for network storage because of security risks. I think it’s a good idea to get rid of them. A standard consumer router port won’t match the speed of even the most affordable NAS devices. Unless you’re dealing with slow internet, consider investing in a NAS for better performance and security.
It seems you're considering a situation where the router's firmware hasn't been updated since April 2018, and you can't do a manual update.