Airport Extreme and USB Hard Drive

[metaljay]

Ive searched around but couldnt find an answer.

I currently have 2 Airport Expresses wired connected to my router (which isnt broadcasting a signal)

These expresses are placed around my house for optimum wifi coverage.

I now want to add a USB hard drive in the loop for time capsule backups.

So i look at purchasing a Airport Extreme.

My question is:

Does my device need to be connected to the airport extreme to be able to backup to it? Or can it be connected to the express and still access the hard drive.

In other words, If i am connected to 'The Ferns (Bedroom)' but the USB hard drive is attached to the 'The Ferns (Lounge)' will i be able to use time machine?

Thanks

 

[Weaselboy]

Be careful with this setup. Backup to external USB drives on a Airport Extreme is not supported by Apple. Many users here report it works, then sometimes just stops working. I would not trust my data to a non-supported setup.

The Express cannot use external USB drives, only the Extreme.

 

[metaljay]

Thanks for the reply. Yes i understand the the express cannot share the drive, but im not asking that, do i need to connect to the correct airport to see the drive, or can i see it whilst under the same network?

 

[Weaselboy]

Thanks for the reply. Yes i understand the the express cannot share the drive, but im not asking that, do i need to connect to the correct airport to see the drive, or can i see it whilst under the same network?

If you connect a drive to the Airport Extreme, you will be able to see it from anywhere inside your network.