SOLVED Non functional USB port?

[WacoJohn]

Here is an exchange I just had with Netduma email support:

Quote

Just received my new R3 router.  I intended to upgrade from my XR500.  The R3 has one USB port and the XR500 has two which I use for two external hard drives.  Since the R3 only has one, can I use an appropriate USB hub on it so I can access both hard drives??  If NOT, is there a different way?  If not, I will pursue returning the R3.  Thank you in advance.

and the reply:

Quote

Hello,

The USB doesn't serve any real function so you wouldn't be able to use a drive with it and have it be accessible. 

 

If you would like to return, post back the router, in its original packaging, with all accessories, so that it arrives at the Netduma return office at the address stated below within 14 days of receipt of the router.

 

You must include your order number with your return, as failing to do this could result in you not receiving a refund since we may not be able to find and verify the order on our records, in order to confirm that it is an authentic Netduma product. Netduma will then refund you the price of the router within 14 days of the products arrival at the Netduma return office, minus shipping. Return postage costs are the customer’s responsibility.

 

Netduma Limited

444 Alaska Avenue

Suite #KE997

Torrance, CA 90503

USA

Seriously??  Why would a router have a USB port that has no function??

[Netduma Fraser]

We could continue over email as you messaged this there also but I'm pretty sure most router hardware comes with a USB port by default, even my ISP router has it and that has no function either. I'm not saying it won't ever have a function but the main purpose of the router is to improve your connection to gaming so that is the priority of development.

[WacoJohn]

6 hours ago, Netduma Fraser said:

We could continue over email as you messaged this there also but I'm pretty sure most router hardware comes with a USB port by default, even my ISP router has it and that has no function either. I'm not saying it won't ever have a function but the main purpose of the router is to improve your connection to gaming so that is the priority of development.

Just realized, ... you are the same Fraser that I had the email  with.  I don't intend to argue ... I guess the single USB port on my R3 has no purpose, but the two on the XR500 certainly do.  There are two hard drives connected to 'em.     Best I return the R3.  This is really puzzling to me.  Thank you for all your input.

[Netduma Fraser]

I certainly am, I'm basically everywhere! Of course, not at all, I get your confusion as to why you would have expected the R3 USB port to have function considering the XR500 did. The XR range had DumaOS & NG software, there software was all in the settings and included the USB functionality so it was already there when DumaOS was put on it, we've not actually developed any USB functionality ourselves ever (yet). No worries at all, just follow the details in the email.

[WacoJohn]

9 hours ago, Netduma Fraser said:

I certainly am, I'm basically everywhere! Of course, not at all, I get your confusion as to why you would have expected the R3 USB port to have function considering the XR500 did. The XR range had DumaOS & NG software, there software was all in the settings and included the USB functionality so it was already there when DumaOS was put on it, we've not actually developed any USB functionality ourselves ever (yet). No worries at all, just follow the details in the email.

We are now on the same page.  I would guess GOOD HELP nowadays is hard to find, and they are lucky to have you.  The problem I was having was (usb ports on routers don't do anything) and we have come past that.  I love my xr500 ... and did assume R3 had not only one but two usb ports as did the xr500 AND that the R3 was somehow a 'step up'.  In any case, thank you for all your valuable time, great attitude, and helping us 'router dummies' out.  I hope you are HIGHLY paid, and will vote right in the upcoming election.  👉

[Netduma Fraser]

Haha no problem at all and no such thing as a router dummy! It is possible we'll have some proper functionality for it in future so do keep an eye on what we're doing and see if it may be worth a repurchase for you in future.