Using a WD Elements drive off a router

Just as the summary says

Can you plug the WD Elements external drive into a router/adsl modem and have it perform the required backup in the same way that it would if it was plugged directly into a laptop USB?

The reason is my parents are going to be getting one but are in NZ and I will be trying to help them from the US in setting this up

Thanks

Probably not, but you need to check the Routers “User Manual” if it supports such a thing