Setting up an External HDD wirelessly

[Commy1]

Hey guys,
So I have a basic ISP provided router/modem Cisco with a USB port on the side. According to some of the resources online it should be as simple as plug and play but I'm not getting any signal outside of the internet connection.

Does anyone have any idea how or if I can make this work?
I'm using a 2TB HP External HDD, nothing special, trying to connect with my iMac.

Direct me if this has been solved elsewhere.

 

[ColdCase]

What model CISCO router/modem? The USB port sometimes is used for firmware upgrades, not external devices.

Not familiar with CISCO, but in general the drive needs to be formatted in a file system the router is compatible with (not typically a MAC file system) and usually you can do that through the routers admin page. File sharing may also need to be enabled.

 

[Commy1]

I'm not entirely sure what numbers on the device are relevant, I'll do some more research and mess around with some of the settings.
I have a feeling though that you're right, the USB is only meant for firmware, but as yet to be confirmed.