Can Time Capsule Join Existing Wireless Network?

I currently work in a building with a wireless network. In my own office, I use AX to join that wireless network and I connect a local printer to the USB port.
From some posts, I've gotten the idea that the Time Capsule will not join an existing wireless network.
Is that the case?

That is correct - Time Capsule cannot be configured to function as a wireless client on an existing wireless network. The only Apple Airport product currently able to do that is the Airport Express device.
It can be configured as a remote base station in a wireless distribution system (WDS), but this would require the wireless network's main base station to be another Time Capsule or any model of Airport Extreme base station.

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Can time capsule boost the wireless network without beeing connected with cabel, hence wirelessly?

Can time capsule boost the wireless network without beeing connected with cabel, hence wirelessly?

Yes, providing that the wireless network has been created by another Apple "n" router.
The "extend a wireless network" feature on the Time Capsule is not compatible with devices from other manufacturers.

Joining time capsule to existing wireless network

I want to back up my computer to time capsule
My time capsule was previously set up as my own wireless base station, with ethernet cord plugged in.
I'm currently staying in a house with it's own wireless router/network, and I just want to use the time capsule to back up through the house network, not as its own base station. How do I join it to the existing wireless network and set it up for time machine backups?
thanks

Are you able to log onto to the old wireless network that the Time Capsule is providing and open AirPort Utility - Manual Setup?
Macintosh HD > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility
If yes,
Click the Wireless tab just below the row of icons
Write down all of the current settings for safekeeping.
Then, make these changes:
Wireless Mode = Join a wireless network. If you do not see this choice, hold down the option key on your Mac while you click on the selection box
Wireless Network Name = Name of the network you want to join
Wireless Security = WPA2 Personal
Wireless Password = Wireless Password
Confirm Password
Click Update to save settings. The Time Capsule will disappear from AirPort Utility, so close AirPort Utility. After 30-40 seconds, the Time Capsules should have a green light.
You'll need to reset Time Machine so it can find the Time Capsule
Open System Preferences (gear icon) on the dock
Open Time Machine
Click Select Disk
Click your Time Capsule to highlight it
Click Use for Backups
That should get you going.
Message was edited by: Bob Timmons

Time Capsule in existing Wireless Network

I've got an existing WiFi network: it is a DSL modem/router (Netgear). And I've got several computers connected to the Internet from this AP.
Now, I've recently purchased a Time Capsule so that I can perform back-ups of my MacBook Pro. But I want to know what is the best way to connect the new Time Capsule, giving the following requirements:
I don't want to share the data on the Time Capsule with all other computers. For now, this should just be for my own back-up.
I want to preferably transfer/access the capsule at the best performance rate, i.e. 5GHz., and wirelessly.
I want to try not disrupt any of the other people who is currently connected to the existing wireless network.
The Netgear AP I've got at the moment is operating at 2.2GHz over the g/b mode.
What options do I have? From what I've read so far, I see two opttions, but let me know what is the best, or also, if there are other better options:
Connet the capsule to "join" the existing wireless network. However, my question is, then at what speed would by MacBook be accessing and transfering to the capsule. Would it be bottlenecked by the existing wireless router at 2.2GHz?
Or, Connect the capsule to create a new dedicated network operating over 5GHz (only) on the N-mode. This would be in bridge-mode, where the existing router would handle DHCP, etc.
Could someone please advise what's the best course of action, that would give best performance and why? My understanding might not be complete about what I specified above, but if someone could please guide, it would be appreciated. thanks.

Connect the printer to the USB port on the Time Capsule and make sure everything is powered on.
On your Mac, open System Preferences (gear icon on the dock)
Open Print & Scan, or it might be Print & Fax depending on your operating system
Click the + (plus) button at the bottom of the printer list on the left side of the window
Hopefully.....your printer or printer family will appear in the next window
It is does, click on the name of the printer to highlight it
Click Add at the lower right
Try to print a test document
Be sure to select the correct printer location when the print dialog appears. If you previously printed when the printer was connected directly to the Mac, it will appear as if you have two of the same printers installed.
A careful look will reveal that you have two printer "locations"...one at the Mac and the other at the Time Capsule. You have to choose the correct "location" at the Time Capsule
You may need to power off the printer again and restart it if printing does not work on the first try.
You will need to "install" the printer from each Mac that you have when you try to print.
If you have any PCs, you will need to download, install and run Bonjour Print Services for Windows v2.0.2 to select the printer and "install" it on the PC.

Time Capsule on Existing Wireless Network

My niece will be going to college this fall, and her dad bought her a Time Capsule. Her dorm will already have a wireless network. How can she use the Time Capsule on an existing network and still have some security?

Using an Ethernet cable, she should connect the Time Capsule directly to the Mac's Ethernet port and backup files that way. The Mac will not be able to connect to the Internet when the Ethernet cable is connected and backups are running.
If the Time Capsule is configured to "join" the campus wireless network using wireless only.....which is not supported by Apple..... then backups must occur very slowly over that "public" network. Definitely not recommended.
If is not too late to return the Time Capsule....there are better, and less expensive options here.

Time Capsule and Existing Wireless Network

I've previously used time machine to back up my G5 & Powerbook to separate external hard disks. I've just bought time capsule so that I could back up both computers to the same drive.
However, when powering on the Time Capsule device it is not visible on my existing network (called Wireless LAN) and instead it seems to have created a separate network called Apple Network b73829.
If I switch to this network I can see the Time Capsule device and it is also visible in Time Machine preferences but I cannot access the internet or any of my other wireless devices (Extreme Base Station etc.) which form the Wireless LAN network; I must switch back to this network if I want internet access.
What I don't want to do at this stage is replace my existing base station with the time capsule device; I just want to use it for backing up wirelessly.
I have reset the device several times now but it just will not join this existing network - what am I doing wrong?
Many thanks & regards,
Cliff
Brighton, UK

OK, so I have done this and it's made no difference. The new network Apple Network b73829 is still present alongside Wireless LAN.
I can only access Time Capsule if I switch to the new network, with the resulting loss of internet access from my Powerbook and, if I switch back to Wireless LAN I regain internet access but cannot see Time Capsule.
Although I just want to use Time Capsule to back up I have tried to connect it to my wireless LAN using the Join Existing Network on Airport Utility (even though I've been told I don't need to do this for Time Machine) but it has failed each time. After entering the password and wireless password information etc. and pressing update the Time Capsule device does re-start but there is ALWAYS an error message that says the device cannot be found and I should check that I am close to it (it's 3 feet away) or I should connect via Ethernet. If I connect via Ethernet it seems to disable the wireless functionality that I bought the device for.

Adding Time Capsule to existing wireless network?

Hi all
I have been reading the existing posts on this subject but cant really find the answers I need.
We have just bought a Time Capsule to back up our MacBook Pro.
We have a Netgear wireless modem/router which already has a wireless network set up.
My parents use a Windows laptop and access the internet via this network. We do not need this laptop to be backed up with the time capsule.
I am just wondering what is the best way to set up the Time Capsule? Add it to the existing network or create a new network? What are the benefits of each?
We also have a 5GHz wireless network - would it be better to connect the Time Machine to this instead? And if so is it possible for the Mac to run off the 2.4GHz while it backs up to Time Capsule via 5GHz? Sorry not sure how this all works!
thanks

bushwacka2603 wrote:
Thanks.
So just so Ive understood correctly.....
I connect the TC to my Netgear via ethernet and this means the TC acts as a wireless router to connect my Mac and the laptop to the internet?
Bridged the TC is an AP only not a router.
Wireless can be on or off.. it is entirely up to you.
What OS are you running?
If you are unfortunate enough to run Mountain Lion. please install a real utility.. this is tricky because Apple like toyland version for toyland OS>
How to load 5.6 into ML.
1. Download 5.6 for Lion.
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1482
Click to open the dmg but do not attempt to install the pkg.. it won't work anyway.
2. Download and install unpkg.
http://www.timdoug.com/unpkg/
Run unpkg on the desktop.. it is very simple.. drag the AirPortUtility56.pkg file over to unpkg.. and it will create a new directory of the same name on the desktop.. drill down.. applications utilities .. there lo and behold is Airport utility 5.6 .. drag it to your main utilities directory or just run it from current location.
You cannot uninstall 6.1 so don't try.. and you cannot or should not run them both at the same time.. so just ignore the toyland version.. the plastic hammer.. and start using 5.6.. a real tool.

Benefits of Time Capsule on existing wireless network

I have a generation 1 time capsule that I have never used. Recently, since purchasing an apple tv and ipad, while also have multiple PCs running on my network, I thought I should retire my old netgear (IEEE™ 802.11 b/g 2.4 GHz) and replace it with my time capsule as the main wireless router to support all my network traffic.
I was thinking should I just use my time capsule as an extended base station to my network? I live in an apartment and don't need to extend my range so I'm not sure what the point of that would be??
And can you have the time capsule as an additional base station to just handle n-band traffic? How will my apple tv and ipad know what to talk to if both routers are near?
Any advice?

I read from an apple support guide that "Adding Wi-Fi base stations when it is unnecessary can reduce Wi-Fi throughput because the Wi-Fi network will require more data management overhead.
All this is saying is that if you have 2 Apple wireless devices both configured the same way and they are too close together, it's possible that interference may slow down the connection just a bit.
This is not your situation at all. You are using different devices, configured differently to provide two different networks. If anything, performance will improve because the "n" devices will be using one network and the other devices another. It's like having a dual band wireless router.
Message was edited by: Bob Timmons

Time Capsule to join existing wireless network

Hi All,
I have a question, as despite experimenting and reading all I can find on the subject I am no closer to a definite answer.
I have the old 500gb Time Capsule (802.11n non-simultanious version).
I presently have a BT HomeHub 2.0 as my wifi router downstairs, and use a Linksys WRT54GS to connect to the network SSID provided by the HomeHub. All my desktop machines, etc are then connected into the 10/100 switch in the WRT54GS, giving them access to the WiFi network.
Ideally I wanted to replace the WRT54GS with my Time Capsule, so that my desktop machines upstairs plug into the 10/100/1000 ethernet ports on the Time Capsule, which is then in-turn connected wirelessly to the BT HomeHub downstairs for Internet access. (The benefit of this being increased speed thanks to the 802.11n technology in the HomeHub and Time Capsule).
Sadly, the Time Capsule does not seem to like connecting to the HomeHub's SSID, each time giving me the flashing amber light. Normally, I would simply re-configure the network so the BT HomeHub connects to an SSID provided by the Time Capsule, but my version of the HomeHub is not capable of doing this, or using a WDS type setup.
WiFi signal strength is good where the Time Capsule is located, the network is using WPA/WPA2 mixed authentication, and other devices can connect to the SSID.
Any help on this is much appreciated,
Thanks,
Jon

Welcome to the discussions!
When the Time Capsule "joins" a wireless network, (which is the only way that it could connect to the HomeHub network unless you use ethernet) the ethernet ports on the device are not active. When you configure the TC to "join", it really takes on the function of a wireless backup device, nothing more.
The Time Capsule cannot be configured for a WDS type arrangement with your HomeHub because it is not compatible.
If you want to connect the Time Capsule to the HomeHub and have the Time Capsule create a wireless network, then you must use an ethernet cable from one of the LAN ports on your HomeHub to the WAN port on the Time Capsule and configure the TC to act as a "bridge".
If you are unable to run an ethernet cable, the next option would be to use ethernet powerline adapters to use the wiring in your home to transmit the ethernet signal.

I have a mid-2010 iMac and just purchased a 2TB TC, can't join existing wireless network with AC standard so attached to iMac via ethernet with TC wifi turned off. How do i access TC now? not showing up in disk utility or on desktop. working fine with TM

I have a mid-2010 iMac and just purchased a 2TB TC, I just found out that it can't join existing wireless network with new AC standard so attached to iMac via ethernet with TC's wifi turned off. How do i access TC now? not showing up in disk utility or on desktop. It is working fine with TM. My cheeper seagate drives etc kept crashing, so i didnt trust cheeper back up options anymore. Connected those drives to TM via firewire and could see the drives and access them.
Also, I didn't want to bridge TC with my new fios router that I paid 100 dollars for, to get N speed and also paying 10 dollars more a month for fast speed. I heard that bridging slows down everything and then there can be port issues with mail etc. I connect to the internet via airport only and it is pretty fast. Getting over 50mbs downloads and over 30mbs uploads. Plus everything in my home it connected to my fios router, airport express for music streaming, two apple tvs, vuezone camer system. I really didn't want to monkey around too much with my system. But are there other options to connect the new TC. Can't find info anywhere for this and called apple who gave me the info above. after hanging up, i see that i cant access my TC and I am wondering if i would have to reset it to turn wifi on again to make changes to the drive, turn off blinking light or repair it in disk utility if it should become corrupted.
For other with similar issues i did solve some other problems: when i connected it to my ethernet port on my iMac wifi stopped working. Found that I had to turn off the ethernet in the system>network screen, but then TM didn't see the TC so i restarted after changes and then it saw it.
Now a rant. I can't believe in this wireless age that Apple would make a product that cant join a wireless net work. The apple rep said i could return it and look for the previous TC that would join an existing wireless network. Are we going backwards?
Thanks!
lennydas

Ok... it is getting a bit clearer but there are still some questions.
I connect to the internet via airport only and it is pretty fast.
I was assuming airport in this statement in your first post meant the TC or the Express.. but I now realise we are still in the mass confusion stage where apple calls everything wireless an airport. So what you mean is the airport internal card of the computer??
Also, I didn't want to bridge TC with my new fios router that I paid 100 dollars for, to get N speed and also paying 10 dollars more a month for fast speed. I heard that bridging slows down everything and then there can be port issues with mail etc.
I think this is mistaken.
Putting the TC in bridge mode plugged into your FIOS will not slow the network.. nor will it cause mail or port issues.. in bridge the TC is just a fancy WAP and switch plus the network hard drive.
If the computer is close it will be faster than the FIOS.
You can run both wireless networks with different names.. so it is clear which is which. But you can also setup roaming so the computers themselves pick which is the best wireless.
I tried extending the wireless net work and tried joining wireless network, but the TC kept crashing and I had to keep resetting the TC. the Apple support person said these, extend wireless network and joint wireless network, are no longer a connection option with the new TC because of the new AC protocol.
Thanks again!
You cannot extend to a non-apple wireless router.
You cannot use join a wireless network because when you do the ethernet ports will be cut off.
But that has not changed.. I don't think Apple support is correct.. there has been no change with the AC model.. it is simply a fact that apple routers do not work in join wireless mode other than as a dumb client. The same applies to AC as to the earlier version.. but I have asked another person to check this.
Join in the express is the only apple router that still allows an ethernet connection.
For now you best use of the TC is bridged to the FIOS. Wireless you can sort out between several options.

Since I've upgraded to Maverick the airpot utility does not recognise that there is a time capsule on the wireless network. I can see the TC using the air port utility on my iPhone5 and on my iPad. What am I doing wrong on my macbook?

Since I've upgraded to Maverick on my Macbook Pro the airpot utility does not recognise that there is a time capsule on the wireless network. I can see the TC using the air port utility on my iPhone5 and on my iPad. What am I doing wrong on my macbook?

I have over 250G backed up and I really don't want to reset everything and start again.
Not sure what you mean here.
A reset will not affect any of the data on the Time Capsule hard drive. You would have to perform a completely separate and very deliberate Erase Disk operation for that to occur.
I'm not recommending that you perform a default reset, but it is an option if there is really nothing else to try.
I don't know if what you are seeing is a Mavericks issue or not, since I refuse to use any new software until at least the first major update with fixes comes along.
Another user may be able to offer more input on Mavericks.

Can time capsule be connected wirelessly and still use ethernet ports for other devices?

can time capsule be connected wirelessly and still use ethernet ports for other devices? we have it connected wirelessly but devices connected to the ethernet ports are not working.

Not as an additional router.. the TC will be plugged into the main router via ethernet (or ethernet equivalent)..
Then the TC is setup in bridge mode. It will simply act as a Switch and HDD.
The wireless can be setup in a number of ways.
From your convenience point of view use it in roaming network mode..
you simply give the TC the same Wireless Name as the existing routers SSID.
Same security setting and password. WPA2 Personal = WPA2 AES which is the best.
But they both use different wireless channels.. normally if you leave the TC on auto it will work fine, but I prefer to control the network.. so set the main router to say 1 and the TC to 11.
You can also use a completely different wireless name etc.. that is up to you. It is still a single flat network and the only thing that is important is only having one router.

I have a 1 TB Time Capsule on a wireless network with my iMac and my wife's MacBook Pro. The TC is almost full. What is the best way/device to increase storage capacity?

I have a 1 TB Time Capsule on a wireless network with my iMac and my wife's MacBook Pro. The TC is almost full. What is the best way/device to increase storage capacity?

Replace the Time Capsule with one that has a larger hard drive. Or erase the one you have and start a new set of backups or backup one of the computers to a different backup drive.

Can AirPort Extreme join a wireless network and share the connection to ethernet connected devices?

Can AirPort Extreme join a wireless network and share the connection to ethernet connected devices?

Yes, if the AirPort Extreme is joining a wireless network that has been created by another Apple router. In this case, it will be extending the wireless network and the Ethernet ports are enabled on the "remote" AirPort Extreme.
No, if the AirPort Extreme will be used with another router from another manfacturer.
Ironically, the less expensive AirPort Express can do what you ask about with virtually any wireless network using a special feature called ProxySTA. It won't extend the wireless with a non-Apple router, but the Ethernet port will be enabled.

Can Time Capsule be a wireless client?

Can Time Capsule be a wireless client?

It can, but this is not officially supported by Apple. Most users should avoid this type of configuration.....even if they can figure out how to do it.
Backups will take twice as long because the signal must "hop" from your computer to the main router and then "hop" again to the Time Capsule. In addition to taking more time, this doubles the chances of an error occurring.
The Ethernet ports are not enabled on the Time Capsule in this type of configuration, so it is not possible to backup using Ethernet at all.

Can Time Capsule Join Existing Wireless Network?

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