In this post, I will show you how to install Download Master on ASUS wireless routers. Download Master is a multipurpose download client that is capable of downloading torrent and NZB files to an attached USB storage device. It is part of the AsusWRT router firmware. We have described the installation of several bittorent clients (qBittorrent, Deluge, and Transmission) and news readers (SABnzbd+). The disadvantage with using these clients is that they require a dedicated network attached storage or computer to work. Asus routers (N56U, N66U, AC68U, AC87U, etc.) are capable of serving as a network attached storage and a download station. If this is all you want, you can eliminate the dedicated server and just run with router, which is normally always-on and uses just about 10 Watts of power. I recently upgraded to Asus RT-AC68U router and have been dabbling with its features. In this post, I will show you how to install Download Master on ASUS wifi routers.
Different ASUS routers support different sizes of external storage devices. They also require specific file systems. Review this page to understand what file system should be used to partition your USB device. In this example, I am using a 16 Gig USB flash drive. You could use a external hard drive (this is normally the case). For RT-AC68U the drive should be formatted to EXT4. Although other file systems are compatible, I recommend using EXT4.
Partition Usb Drive For Download Master
For partitioning the drive on Windows, I recommend using the Free MiniTool Partition Wizard. Partition the drive as shown in the picture above. Once partitioned, plug in the drive into the router's USB port.
Setup Download Master on ASUS Router
Next, to ASUS Download Master setup open your router administration page (typically, 192.168.1.1 from within your network) and navigate to USB Application. Scroll down and click install Download Master.
In the next page, available USB drives will be listed. If a drive is not listed then there may partition file system compatibility issues. Hover your mouse over the left side of the drive listing until the icon changes (see picture below). Then click to install ASUS Download Master.
Install Download Master
Let the Download Master installation continue. Just follow the installation process onscreen.
Upon completion, you should see Download Master installation confirmation message on the screen as shown in the picture below. You will also see a link that should take you to Download Master web interface.
The key question now is, how can I access the downloaded files. This is where the filesystem used for partition is important. You can setup SAMBA or NFS share from the router administration page and map the drives on Windows, Linux, or Mac systems. This gives you a low cost, simple, and energy efficient network attached storage with a basic download manager. So there you go, install Download Master on your ASUS router and convert it to a download station.
Anand is a self-learned computer enthusiast, hopeless tinkerer (if it ain't broke, fix it), a part-time blogger, and a Scientist during the day. He has been blogging since 2010 on Linux, Ubuntu, Home/Media/File Servers, Smart Home Automation, and related HOW-TOs.
ASUS (RT-AC68U) Wireless-AC1900 Dual-Band Gigabit Router
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