Connecting to NAS without Internet Connect (How to use as an External Hard drive?)

[Deeg]

Is it possible to connect directly to the Mini X+ unit without having an internet connection and access the 3 storage pools I have on there?

I used my Mini X+ for about 6 months before deciding to full-time RV and travel the U.S. I now have Starlink but do not have a way to connect my NAS to an Ethernet connection with my current Starlink setup.

I have a ton of information I use for editing videos and would like to access it as an external hard drive, if possible.


Would this potentially corrupt any of the data on the NAS if it is possible?

 

[Patrick M. Hausen]

You can always plug an Ethernet cable into your PC on one side and TN on the other one. No need for a switch or router (or Internet).

 

[elvisimprsntr]

Welcome!

Short answer: TrueNAS is a network storage solution, i.e. does not connect via USB or TB.

Put SL in bypass mode, add your own third party router/firewall behind SL, connect NAS and any other clients to the new router/firewall.

Starlink router bypass allows using your own router with the updated terminal, mesh router in the works

SpaceX’s Starlink internet service continues to expand and see upgrades, in addition to all the launches. We recently spotted a...

spaceexplored.com

 

[Deeg]

Welcome!

Short answer: TrueNAS is a network storage solution, i.e. does not connect via USB or TB.

Put SL in bypass mode, add your own third party router/firewall behind SL, connect NAS and any other clients to the new router/firewall.

Starlink router bypass allows using your own router with the updated terminal, mesh router in the works

SpaceX’s Starlink internet service continues to expand and see upgrades, in addition to all the launches. We recently spotted a...

spaceexplored.com

That is my plan in the next few weeks. We are moving parks this Friday so I cannot get the Ethernet adapter from Starlink sent to me until next week at the earliest. I was just hoping for a short-term workaround for the time being.

 

[Deeg]

You can always plug an Ethernet cable into your PC on one side and TN on the other one. No need for a switch or router (or Internet).

When I plug it in nothing happens and I cannot find anything regarding the NAS on my laptop. To be honest, I don't even know what to look for once it is plugged in lol. I went to network options in settings but there was nothing. Nothing shows up as a drive either. I would need more details on how to locate and access the storage pools...

 

[winnielinnie]

No need for a switch or router (or Internet).

Unless the client PC has only one available ethernet port, in which you want to access TrueNAS and the Starlink connection.

Does Starlink not provide a device with multiple ethernet ports, a la what you expect from a typical home ISP service?

 

[Patrick M. Hausen]

Unless the client PC has only one available ethernet port, in which you want to access TrueNAS and the Starlink connection.

You can still use the devices alternatingly.

Does the Mini-X perchance have two Ethernet ports? You could turn them into a bridge (a 2-port switch) and connect everything.

 

[danb35]

Does Starlink not provide a device with multiple ethernet ports

No; the current version provides zero Ethernet ports and is WiFi-only. But there's inexpensive accessory that gives an Ethernet port.

 

[Etorix]

No; the current version provides zero Ethernet ports and is WiFi-only. But there's inexpensive accessory that gives an Ethernet port.

Then, the NAS can connect by Ethernet while Starlink is accessed by Wi-Fi.
What's needed is two network interfaces (LAN and WAN), not two Base-T Ethernet ports.

 

[Deeg]

Then, the NAS can connect by Ethernet while Starlink is accessed by Wi-Fi.
What's needed is two network interfaces (LAN and WAN), not two Base-T Ethernet ports.

Yes, once I get the ethernet adapter I can connect my NAS to my Starlink. But I am travelling in my RV and cannot have the Adapter shipped to me at the moment. So I was looking for a temporary workaround.

 

[Etorix]

Why connect the NAS to Starlink?
You can just put a (crossover) cable from the NAS to an Ethernet port on the client PC.

 

[Redcoat]

You can just put a (crossover) cable from the NAS to an Ethernet port on the client PC.

Aren't crossover cables "a thing of the past" these days?

 

[Patrick M. Hausen]

Apple pioneered auto MDI/MDI-X for Fast Ethernet and then it became mandatory for Gigabit.

 

[elvisimprsntr]

Aren't crossover cables "a thing of the past" these days?

Assuming at least one end supports MDI/MDI-X

 

[Patrick M. Hausen]

Assuming at least one end supports MDI/MDI-X

It's part of the standard for Gigabit.

 

[Etorix]

Thanks for the heads-up. I guess my age is showing…