File and Media server does not work well together and is security risk
Older models of TP-Link routers allowed me to select different directories for the file sharing server and the media server.
For some reason the C5400X (and juding by online emulators other newer modles too) does not let you select which of shared file directories should be shared by media server (the way it used to be).
This is a major problem for two reasons:
1) It is a security issue.
I may choose to share some files and directories for file server, and sensibly want to place a passwrod for access.
Some of these folders may have picture files and videos I may not wish to share on network in general without a password.
However, if I choose to turn on Media server, it (as is it's job) shares picture and video files without access control.
Since the C5400X applies media sharing to ALL the shared files and directories, not a selected subset, I just shared things I did not wish to share.
2) It is a bug issue - Media server does not detect media files if you share all of drive
It would appear the media server has some limitations related to the number of files and directories scanned for inclusion.
Specifically, if I share all the files and directories on my 4TB drive, it fails to find my music files (it finds 2 unrelated files from a game backed up).
If I choose to only share a smaller subset, like the directory I have my media in, it works ok - but now I cannot access or use any of the other files on drive from file server.
And evven if it DID work, I do not actually want to share a bunch og images and sound files from a bunch of games anyway - I want to share media files from my media directory only on media server
Specifically, I have a 4TB external USB drive.
N:/Media/....
N:/Backups/...
On my previous router I shared all files on file server, with password access - no problem. AND shared select directory of media files on media sever without clutter or sharing pictures I did not want to share - no problem.
This allowed my 4 Windows PCs to run their backups into N:/Backups/...
(and because of some Steam games there are many small image and sound files, files I do not wish to share on my media)
AND share N:/Media/... on Media server to play on my stereo, phone, tablets and PCs in my house.
For some reason my new router only allows me to apply media sharing to all of the (password controlled) shared files, making the password access control useless, and make media server fail because it is to many files (acording to tech support).
Right now I have to choose if I want to be able to share files and make backups, or if I want to share my music with media server so my stereo and TV and access them.
PLEASE BRING BACK ABILITY TO SELECT WHICH DIRECTORIES MEDA SERVER USES!.
I expected better from TP-Link and a $400 router.