Does my time capsule HAVE to join my existing wireless network please?

ok i am trying to get my TC to join my wireless network but its not having it!!
(it was but now i cant seem to get it to work)
so my question is....can i just have its as its own separate wireless network just to talk with my macbook & imac so they can back up wirelessly please?
or would this cause problems as they are on my personal home wireless network??
anyone know please?
thanks!

so my question is....can i just have its as its own separate wireless network just to talk with my macbook & imac so they can back up wirelessly please?
You can do, but you don't need to.
If you create a separate WLAN for your Time Capsule then you'll need to switch your clients to the TC WLAN to make their backups, then switch them back to the regular LAN when they're done. Bear in mind that your regular WLAN (and, presumably your internet access, etc.) will be unavailable while you're switch to the other WLAN.
There has to be a better way, surely? Of course. If your existing WLAN is working well enough for you, then just connect the TimeCapsule to your existing network via an ethernet cable. Now it will be part of your LAN, all your clients can see it and back up to it, but you don't have any issues with having to switch AirPort networks on the client (in effect, your client sends its data wirelessly to your existing base station which then forwards the data over the ethernet LAN. Problem solved.

Similar Messages

Setting up Time Capsule for backup only on existing wireless network

I have a wireless network already set up with a NetGear wireless router. Cable plugs into router, router connected via ethernet cable to my Power Mac G5 desktop, plus 2 PC laptops in the house also connect wirelessly to the home network via this router.
I want to set up Time Capsule as an external hard drive to back up all three computers -- I don't necessarily need to use it as a wireless router although i'm not opposed to that if it's easier to do it that way.
When i try to set it up using AirPort utility, i get the amber flashing light. Airport utility is able to discover the device, and then always asks if it's OK to switch networks. I've tried both "switch" and "don't switch"; either way when i try to set it up, AirPort utility stalls out on "Reading Time Capsule Configuration"; eventually giving me the error msg: "Base Station Error: AirPort Utility was unable to find your Apple wireless device."
All i want to do is mount it as an external hard drive so i can use Time Machine for backup, and be able to use it to also back up the PC laptops wirelessly. I need help in the following three areas:
1. How should I be physically connecting my devices if i want to do this? Which cables go in which ports? There is only one ethernet port on the back of my G5. The G5 can connect to the router either wirelessly OR via ethernet cable. I've tried G5-->Time Capsule-->Router, G5-->Router-->Time Capsule, Router-->G5 PLUS Router-->Time Capsule, and I've tried every variation on the regular ethernet and WAN ports. What's the right way to do this.
2. If i'm not setting up the TC as a Wireless Router, is AirPort utility even the right tool for setting it up? it seems to be confused by the two wireless networks and won't let me get past that point. Am I supposed to click "Switch" when it asks me to switch networks? Is there a way to just mount it as an external drive and bypass the AirPort utility setup entirely?
3. Once i get it set up so it's visible as an external drive and usable for Time Machine backup, how do i then make it available to the other PCs on the network so they can back up to it also?
Thanks for your help.

sarah,
You already have an existing wireless network.
You do not need to plug the Time Capsule into anything except power.
Set the Time Capsule to "Join an existing wireless network"...
That is all you need to do.
Then all the computers should see the Time Capsule.
If you can't see "Join an existing wireless network" in the choices, hold down on the option key and then click on the choices.
Give that a try.

Time Capsule in Standalone Mode with Existing Wireless Network

Hi there,
I hope someone can help. I'm not quite sure where to post this question, so I hope I am in the right place. Ive found various posts on this matter but just would like some assistance with my personal set up.
I have a new retina MacBook Pro arriving soon which will be running Mountain Lion. I've also just purchased a current model Time Capsule for the purpose of wireless backups via Time Machine and would like some advice on how to integrate it into my system.
I already have a wireless Internet connection set up and running well (through a D-link DSL-2740R router) so I don't want to mess around with that (for various reasons it took a long while to set up). I'm therefore looking at running the Time Capsule in a standalone way but I am guessing in doing so it will create a second wifi network (although it will not be connected to the Internet). I appreciate I cannot connect to two wireless networks at once but whilst in the local Apple store recently, one of the assistants mentioned that this would not be a problem for Mountain Lion with regard to Time Machine backups and that I would not have to use bridge mode or anything on the Time Capsule. However I unfortunately had to leave the store before I could find out how to go about setting this up.
I would therefore be grateful if anyone could help with how to set the Time Capsule up in Mountain Lion as mentioned above so that I can get it up and running when my Macbook Pro turns up.
Also, once set up, I would like to use the USB port on the Time Capsule to attach a powered hub to connect multiple USB hard drives. Could someone please confirm that this will work in whatever manner I have to set the Time Capsule up and also whether Time Machine can back these drives up to the Time Capsule as well.
I would say that networks etc. are not my strong point so would be grateful for answers aimed at novice (or lower!) level of technical experience.
Many thanks for your help.
Steve Harvey

This is really the same option as bridging the TC..
You cannot use the TC as a router in the UK.. well mostly not, because all your ISP use PPPoA authentication.. there are some who have recognised the error of following BT blindly and now also use PPPoE. But you cannot authenticate the TC to the modem using pppoa protocol. So there is no way the TC can be in any mode but bridge..
Don't worry if the above didn't make a lot of sense.
When you bridge the TC.. it will act as a switch and WAP, plus hard disk to network.
The wireless can indeed be left on.. even on both devices.. that isn't actually a problem.. although I prefer to set one or both routers to a fix wireless channel.
You can also turn off the dlink wireless but I think you will find the dlink wireless rather better than the TC.
For 2.4ghz there are only 3 non-overlapping channels, 1, 6, 11 ( although you can also use 13 in UK).
The TC is only N lite on 2.4ghz ie max speed is 150mbps.. It will only need one channel.
The Dlink is full N ie 300 or 270mbps and to do this requires 2 channels.. that means you need to be very specifc.. and might be better infact setting the dlink to also only use 1 channel.. ie 20mhz only not 40mhz.
Again if you are not following don't worry.. I will be specific.
Set the dlink wireless to channel 1.. and set it to 20mhz only. The dlink should still have better range than the TC..
Place the TC in a place as far away as you can get.. next room or wireless dead spot would be excellent.. use ethernet or EOP adapters.
Bridge the TC.
Set the TC to channel 11 or 13 as you prefer..
Give it the same wireless name.. (SSID to everyone else) as the Dlink.
Same security setting WPA2 AES on the dlink WPA2 Personal on the TC.
Same passkey.
You now have a roaming system.
ie the laptop should connect to the strongest signal.. just like a mobile phone does as you travel.
The 5ghz will also be available to your computer if the signal is good enough.. range is very poor though.
I do recommend you run 5.6 utility.. this is tricky as it won't install on mountain Lion.
You need to download the utility.
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1482
Download and install unpkg
http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/16357/unpkg
Open the 5.6 dmg.. and drag the pkg over a running unpkg.. it will then load the files into a new directory on the desktop.. just drag the airportutility5.6 to your utilites directory.
v6.1 utility in Lion and Mountain Lion is a toy version.

On the new time capsule a/c, if you lay the device on its side does it change its signal strength in any way? Does the time capsule have to stand up-right all the time?

On the new time capsule a/c, does the time capsule have to remain up-right? Can the time capsule lay on it's side and still function?
Thanks

Please remember that the Time Capsule's antennas are up at the top of the device, and have been designed to work best in that position.
In addition, the air flow pattern to help cool the internal electronics has been designed to work best with the Time Capsule in a upright position.
When I lay the Time Capsule down for 30 minutes, it is noticeably warmer. I can't tell if wireless is affected that much since my home is not that big.
You could try laying the Time Capsule down, but my recommendation would be that you do not do this. You may get a different opinion from another user, so stay tuned.

Time Capsule can't set up as wireless network, but Airport Extreme works

I just bought a Time Capsule to use as a back-up hard drive and a wireless network. I currently have a Airport Extreme for my wireless network and it works fine. When I try to plug in the ethernet cable into the Time Capsule to set up a new wireless network - all I get is a blinking amber light on Time Capsule and Airport Utility can not find Time Capsule. When I plug the ethernet cable back into the Airport Extreme to see if my DSL is working - the Airport Extreme light is back on and I can connect to the internet. I updated the Time Capsule with the latest firmware so that's no it. Any ideas?

OK, thanks for the clarification.
First, make a note of the configuration settings in the Airport Extreme as you will likely set up the TC the same way. Open AirPort Utility, click on Manual Setup at the bottom of the pane and then click on the Airport icon at the top of the next page, which is a summary of your settings. Would be a good idea to write these down and keep them handy.
Then do a hard reset on the Time Capsule to get it back to factory defaults. You would do this by first pulling the power cable for a few minutes. Then using an unfolded paper clip or something small, hold in the reset button on the back while you plug the power cable back in and continue to hold the reset button for at least 10-12 seconds before you release it.
Power off your computer, then restart. When it's back up, connect an ethernet cable from the computer to the WAN port on the back of the Time Capsule. This should help Airport Utility "see" the Time Capsule so you use Airport Utility to configure it.
If you have set up the Extreme, the TC set up is basically the same unless you have changed the modem or some other things in your network.
Post back on your progress.

I am unable to join my existing wireless network with new AirPort Express

I am unable to join my existing wireless network with new AirPort Express.
I am using a DLink DI-524 Router, Windows 7 (64), and the AirPort Express.
AirPort Utility will not recognize the AEX wirelessly, it will only recognize it when it is connected by Ethernet. I can then configure the AEX and verify that the settings stick once disconnected and then reconnected. However, even after that, it will not recognize the AEX once disconnected from the Ethernet cable.
I followed the suggestions of several other threads on these forums. But I am unable to get the AEX to work.
Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Welcome to the discussion area!
It's almost always a security setting that causes problems when the Airport Express (AX) tries to join a third party wireless network. The AX usually does not "join" correctly and that's why you can't see it on your wireless network using AirPort Utility.
Using an ethernet cable is still the more reliable way to configure and adjust the AX, but if you are want to try to configure it using wireless, you must return the AX back to factory defaults as follows:
Power down the AX
Hold in the reset button +and keep holding it in+ as you plug the AX back in to power
Release the reset button after 10 seconds
When it is set to factory defaults, the AX broadcasts a wireless signal with a network name like "apple network xxxxxx" where the "x's" are either letters or numbers. You must look for this network by clicking on the fan shaped Airport icon at the top of the screen. If you don't see this network, then click Join Other Network to search that way. Unless you connect to this network, you will not be able to configure the AX using wireless.
Do you know the exact security type that your D-Link router is using? That is the key element in the process.
Open AirPort utility, click Manual Setup
Click the Base Station tab to establish a name for the AX, device password and adjust time zone settings
Click the Wireless tab
Wireless Mode....Join a wireless network
Wireless Network Name...must exactly match your D-Link wireless network name
Enable ethernet clients if you want the port to be active (your D-Link must be compatible with ProxySTA for this to work)
Wireless Security...exact setting of the D-Link network. WEP security causes a lot of issues. Try to use WPA/WPA2 Personal, which is far more secure.
Wireless Password...must match the D-Link network
Click the Music icon to enable AirTunes
Click Update to save settings
Any luck?

Joining an existing wireless network with airport express

Ok, am almost to the point of throwing my AX across the room
AM trying to join an existing wireless network, its from a 2Wire gateway
one of three things happen
it won't find the AX in the first place
it recognizes it, but i can't connect to it
it goes through the configuration and when it restarts the AX, it can't reconnect to either the router or the AX and it fails. if this happens i can't reconnect to my wireless network without deleting it and re-adding.
it doesn't show up in my available wireless networks at all
protected via WEP, and i have tried using all the security options.

The directions are in KB 302153, AirPort Express: How to join an existing wireless network in client mode.
Are you using MAC address access control in addition to WEP?
Turn off WEP and see if that makes a difference?
One of the problems with WEP is that the actual standard relies on a 10 character HEX key for 40bit WEP and a 26 character HEX key for 128bit WEP.
In order to make things easier for people, vendors use certain algorithms to convert simple alphanumeric passwords (or passphrases) into HEX keys, thus enabling people to use simple memorable WEP password rather than lengthy HEX keys.
The problem is that different vendors use different algorithms to generate the HEX key and therefore a ASCII password on an AEBS will be hashed differently on a Netgear client and vice versa.
One thing is a 13 character 128 bit WEP password will be hashed by all vendors in the same way (if you use 40bit WEP then a 5 character password is required).
Though sometimes not even that works and the HEX key must be used regardless.
Choosing a password for networks that use Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=108058
WEP is now considered not to be secure and therefore it is advised you use WPA.
"WPA Personal" on the Mac corresponds to plain WPA, with a pre-shared key (PSK) and TKIP encryption, on non-Apple wireless routers. The same alphanumeric password should work on both.
iFelix

Time Capsule no longer connects to home wireless network.

Last night the Time Capsule we have been using for wireless internet and TM backup stopped connecting to internet. It will still back up from this network. It is connected to a FIOS router. The status light is off, which is supposed to mean it is unplugged. It is plugged in and connected to the FIOS router, this light is green.
If we switch to using the FIOS router for internet access, we get internet access but no backups. Our Canon printer used to work connected wirelessly, but now does not on either network.
Shelly

Good news that the Time Capsule has not had a major power failure.
But, I'm not clear on whether the Time Capsule is working OK now on your network.....and the amber light is blinking......or......whether the Time Capsule is not working on your network and the amber light is blinking.
The genius should have told you that you can use AirPort Utility on your Mac and it will tell you "why" the amber light is blinking.
What operating system are you using on your Mac? If you are not sure, click on the Apple icon in the upper left corner of the screen, then click on About This Mac. Post back with the OS X Version number that you see there.

Time Capsule Can't connect to my wireless network

Hi there,
I can't connect my new Time Capsule to my existing wireless network. I followed screen instructions, set up my network name and password, then time capsule need to be disconnected and then nothing.. My MacBook Can't see Time Capsule
I did restored it to factory and tryed manual setup but didn't work either.
Any sugestions?
Thank you

what is your current router? (the one you're trying to connect to with your TC)? If it's not Apple (Airport series, another TC) you'll mose likely experience compatibility issues. With 3rd party routers (non-Apple) it's hit and miss. Some tips:
1. use WEP not WAP as encryption
2. Make sure your current router supports WDS, set it to turn WDS on
3. try with no encryption, if you can connect, then try WEP, then WPA, you'll see where the problem is.
4. some routers, even if spec doesn't say so, work well in WDS mode and even work with TC with WPA on. The trick is to load them with "special" firmware. Linksys WRT54GL with Tomato or DD-WRT firmware is a good example. Check if there's any alternative firmwares for your router. Start here:
http://www.polarcloud.com/tomatofaq#whatwill_this_runon
Good luck!

Using the AirPort Express to Join an existing Wireless Network

Hello,
I am hoping you can provide me with some help on this... I recelty acquired a PowerMac G4 with a 450 MHz processor, CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive, Zip Drive, 1 GB RAM, and two 40 GB HD... The system has OS 10.4 installed, and it is has built-in Ethernet...
I was told I could use the Airport Express to connect to an existing wireless network, so I purchased an Airport Express base Station... Thing is, to e honest, I am having a bit of a problem getting started...
- First, to connect from the AirPort Express to my G4, do I need a special kind of Ethernet cable, or will the usual kind do?
- Second do I need to istall the software first, or have the Airport express connected to the G4 before I do?
How would I go about setting this up, step-by-step?
Any information would be appreciated...
Thanks for your time...

OK, thanks. Hopefully, the Netgear is creating a wireless network using WPA/WPA2 security. That will make it much easier for the AirPort Express (AX) to join the wireless network. It can join networks with using WEP security, but password issues almost always arise using WEP.
Since you must enter the exact security settings and password for the wireless network, it would help tremendously to know this in advance. Otherwise, it's going to be a series of "trial and errors" and likely frustration, later on.
When you have a moment, check the security settings on the Netgear router.
It might be one of the following: WPA2 Personal, WPA/WPA2 Personal, WEP 128, WEP 40.

Can my older Airport Express 802.11g join an existing wireless network

I have a Airport Express 802.11g firmware version 6.3 . Using the most recent Airport Express Utility I can set it up as a base station on its own independent network but I cannot join it to my existing home wireless network. As I go through the wizard (or manual setup) It just does not detect/display any existing wireless networks. I have plenty of mobile devices in the house that can see the wireless network...and next doors network.
So, it begs the question ... is an 802.11g unit actually capable of joining another network or is this capability available on later models only. A search of apple support and the wider internet for "Airport Express 802.11g capabilities" yeilds a blizzard or useless info.
Thank you

Sorry, I cannot help on Windows since I do not have a Windows 7 machine here to test. I have used XP in the past and AirPort Utility appears to be virtually the same in Windows as a Mac. I assume that this is the case for AirPort Utility 5.6.1, and it should be able to configure the Express.
The older Express will join most wireless networks if the following conditions are met:
1) The Express is functioning correctly.
2) The wireless network name is 12 characters or less and it contains only normal letters and numbers. Avoiding blank spaces in the wireless network name will help improve the chances of the Express joining the network as well.
3) The wireless router is broadcasting a compatible signal that would allow the "g" Express to connect. If your network is broadcasting a wireless "n only" signal, the Express cannot connect to this network.
4) The wireless security on the network is set to a WPA compatible setting. That is because the older Express has difficulty joining 3rd party wireless networks using WPA2 Personal or WPA2-PSK-AES encryption. In other words, if your network is now using WPA2 Personal or WPA2-PSK-AES settings, the "g" Express will probably not be able to join the network.
5) If you are using MAC Address Filtering on your network, the MAC address of the Express will need to be included in your settings.
6) The wireless network password uses the same guidelines that appear in 2) above
The items noted above will provide the Express with the best chance of joining your network. Plan to use the Manual Setup option in AirPort Utility and be prepared to use the Option or Alt keys on the PC if needed.
If you are looking for a guarantee of success in advance for this task, I cannot provide that and you should wait for another user to post who might be able to meet your requirements in that regard.

How do I use a 2nd Airport Extreme plugged into an Ethernet Wall Plug to join an existing wireless network to give me a better signal upstairs?

I have a 5th generation Airport Extreme giving me a great wireless signal on the 1st floor of my house. However the signal upstairs is weak. So I purchased another 5th generation Airport Extreme that I would like to plug into an ethernet wall plug upstairs. I would then like to have the upstairs Airport Extreme join the same network thus giving me a good wirelss signal upstairs. I have a MacBook Pro running OS 10.7.4. Can somebody give me step-by-step directions to set up the upstairs Airport Extreme?

I assume that the new AirPort Extreme is still in its original factory default settings.
Before you connect the AirPort Extreme, please connect a laptop to the Ethernet cable that will be used for the connection and turn off the wireless on the laptop. Make sure that you can can connect to the Internet before you begin to configure the AirPort Extreme.
Disconnect the Ethernet cable from the laptop and connect it to the WAN "O" port on the upstairs AirPort Extreme and power it up.
Open Macintosh HD > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility 6.1
Look in the upper left hand corner of the screen for a tab or box that reads "Other AirPort Base Stations (1)"
Click on that box,then click on the name AirPort Extreme xxxxxx
Wait a moment while AirPort Utility analyzes the network and then displays a message that the AirPort Extreme will be configured to extend your existing wireless network.
Enter a Base Station (device) name for the AirPort Extreme (and a device password if prompted), then click Next.
Wait another minute or two until AirPort Utility notifies you that the AirPort Extreme has been Set Up.
That's it.

Does theAirPort Time Capsule have to be left on all the time

Do I have to leave the NEW UPRIGHT Time Capsule on and connected to the power all the time

There are two different schools of thought as far as the Time Capsule (and other Apple routers as well)
If Apple had wanted you to turn off the Time Capsule on a regular basis, they would have included an "Off" switch on the device, or a means to turn off the Time Capsule from your computer.
Clearly, Apple designed the Time Capsule is designed to be left on most of the time.
There is less stress placed on an electronic device when it is left on, as opposed to turning it off and on constantly.
Yet, it is true that turning the Time Capsule off will save a bit of energy.
Knowing that just about any decision involves trade offs, you will have to decide which school that you want to join.

Does Airport Time Capsule have SIP ALG

I have an Airport Time Capsule and am trying to use my Bria 3 App for my company VoIP service, My IT guys have asked if the Airport Time Capsule has SIP ALG turned on. I have'nt a clue where to look, any ideas?

SIP and ALG are features that would be found on commercial grade routers.
The Time Capsule has no settings for VoIP. It is a very simple home router with a built in hard drive.

Why does wireless on my Time Capsule (2TB, 3rd Gen) drop the wireless network now?

Starting a couple of weeks ago, my Apple Time Capsule (2TB, 3rd Gen) has been dropping the wireless network almost daily. I end up pulling the power cord to restart it. I've had the device for what I think has to be about a year and a half already, and it's been working flawlessly until now. I have it on 802.11N (dual-band), using WPA2, with an average of about 7-8 client devices at any one time throughout our home. The problem doesn't appear to be any one client, since all lose connectivity at the very same time. The Time Capsule LED is still green when it's down, and again restarting it solves the problem. The device is out in a well ventilated area, and doesn't feel like its overheating. Devices using Ethernet to connect are unaffected (other than losing visibility to wireless network elements). It can occurn at any time, day or night, seemingly at random. The Airport Utilty advises that I have the latest firmware version (7.5.2).
Anyone have any idea whats going on? Having similar problems? Fix, workaround, suggestion?

Try setting the wireless to manual and fixed channels.. the auto channel swapping does cause issues.. I would also give different names to 2.4ghz and 5ghz so you know clearly which wireless you are connected to.
But sometimes they do just go bad.. power supply is not robust. They do become unreliable.

Does my time capsule HAVE to join my existing wireless network please?

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