A method may be performed in a data storage device that stores one or more files and that is operatively coupled to any host device that is accessible to another device via a network. The method includes receiving an access request originating from the other device. The access request is received via a particular host device registered as a recipient of requests for access to the data storage device via the network while the data storage device is operatively coupled to the host device and while the host device is accessible via the network. The method also includes, in response to receiving the access request, sending a response with access information to the other device. The response is provided to the particular host device to be sent to the other device via the network.