Yes, you can share an HDD via the internet by using a network connection to transfer its contents.
Yes, you can share an HDD via the internet by using a network connection to transfer its contents.
I don't want to be at home, but I'd like to view the drive as if it were a connected local storage device.
Others have mentioned that a VPN offers the most adaptable solution, allowing you to employ nearly any method to connect, even on a LAN. I’ve successfully used my NAS via a VPN through standard Windows File Sharing, though it was a bit slower than usual—especially when using weak hotel Wi-Fi. Considering the internet latency, performance will be significantly lower compared to a local network, particularly for video tasks. Direct access over the internet would likely feel very slow and frustrating, making it quite challenging if accessed remotely. Keep in mind that LAN delays are minimal (around 0.1ms), while internet speeds are probably 100 times slower.
Does he possess the upload rate needed for you to transfer files online? Does he have a daily download capability? He can configure an FTP server, perform port forwarding on his modem/router, and then you can access his computer via an FTP client to pull the files onto your device. Alternatively, you could upload from your own machine to his. Or instead of using FTP, another method could work—like a basic HTTP server with auto indexing and authentication, allowing you to browse through files using a web browser. If his speed isn’t sufficient, one person could act as the "master" while the other serves as the "slave." The master generates low-bitrate proxy files (around 720p at 1-2 Mbps), and the slave downloads them, processes everything, and finally delivers the final project in high quality. Note that having a remote drive feels convenient, but it would slow things down significantly across different software, as programs constantly scan for files, extract frames, and repeat the process. This results in noticeable delays—often several milliseconds—as TCP windows adjust dynamically, making transfers feel sluggish regardless of connection speed. It’s usually better to copy files locally and edit them instead.
It relies on your internet connection rather than your local upload speed. The same applies if you're uploading to Google. When hosted on their network, downloads depend on their upload speed and vice versa. The host's performance is determined by their own local speeds. For optimal setup, use a VPN. You can configure it on your router, though most consumer models don't support this feature. If unavailable, consider using a dedicated PC to run a VPN and manage sharing, which offers greater control over access.
The pace doesn't matter much. My performance is also reasonable. Ignore the speed, it's not important.
Next, configure an FTP server on his machine, share the port details from his modem/router, and instruct him to keep the computer running unattended overnight. Once finished, access the FTP site and transfer the videos to his device.
I've already provided an answer. Please disregard the speed suggestion. Use a VPN for security. I manage a Windows Server with a RAS role on my private network for remote file access and CCTV. My friends also have access to shared files, so I recommend using AD to handle NPS and file permissions. I restrict them to one hour of VPN connection before disconnecting and a 10-minute idle timeout. There are many videos and guides available for setting this up. It doesn’t require a high-performance PC.