I just became aware of these 5-in-1 devices that contain Large amounts of storage (64GB +) as well as Battery, SD Reader Ports, Ethernet WAN ports and Wi-Fi bridge capability. I'm looking at the Kingston MLWG2 - MLWG3/64 Pro family and similar devices. Thinking that possibly these could connect a portable Cellular Wi-Fi Hotspot to an AREDN network.
The AirRouter AR runs off 5 Volts, so one of these devices could even conceivably power the AirRouter, Supply Internet, Host File Storage, etc. All in a portable package if needed, running totally self-contained. Would be a great way to set up an emergency communications community in a heartbeat. I haven't run a power analysis on the AirRouter AR (yet).
Any suggestions on experience with these devices and whether they can "supply" internet out of the Ethernet WAN port, effectively bridging a portable hot spot via Wi-Fi back out the Ethernet WAN port.
Did you end up testing this device? Any findings?
Thanks,
W4DCE
I did get the Kingston unit - cost around $100 or so. It performs as advertised. Waiting for USB support on the AirRouter for file sharing. Unfortunately, I don't believe it will take internet from Wi-Fi and port it our the Ethernet jack. Works the other way around though. We have taken some old WRT-54G units and installed DD-WRT to perform that function.
Tom, if you are running a nightly build....
there is a package "airrouterusb 1.0.0-2"
try it.