AFAIK most (if not all) routers don't put USB HDD to sleep, it's done within the USB HDD itself. The HDD doesn't really sleep like laptops do, more like spinning down. SSDs don't spin down as it's 100% electronics.

I attach USB HDD to my router (not Asus though) and the HDD doesn't spin 24/7. So it should be safe in long-term.

Please correct me if I'm wrong.

In your case, I'm not sure.

This post has been edited by taqu: Jun 14 2019, 02:25 PM

I believe DNS Filter will route all DNS requests to the specified DNS server.

If you want to block specific domains, you'll need to install custom plugin into your Merlin-powered router (Diversion?), or use another ad-blocking DNS forwarder eg Pi-Hole. I run a Pi-Hole server within Google cloud for my home use.

After 1 month wait, my pair of Deco M4s finally arrives from TM. Added another M5 for ground floor. Happy so far. Fast roaming works very well. Easy to setup and the mobile app looks good.

As my IP cameras (on 2.4 GHz) don't like the Deco's band steering & fast roaming, I've disabled 2.4 GHz on the Decos and use back my Tenda AC18 for 2.4 GHz coverage (different SSID).

This post has been edited by taqu: Dec 11 2020, 12:20 AM