Home network setup - including media

Hello!  Here is my family's current set up:
Apple TV 3rd Gen (qty 2)
iPhone 6 (qty 2)
MacBook Air (qty 2)
iPad Air
iPad 1st Gen
Mac Mini (2.6ghz i7, 8GB RAM, 1TB HD)
2TB Airport Time Capsule
My ultimate goal is to fully cut the cable TV cord in the next month or two and work exclusively through Apple TV.  We basically watch several shows; Modern Family, The Middle, Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, and football.  We will of course browse through other channels if bored, but usually if those aren't on we'll just hop over to Netflix.  Between a digital antenna to get ABC and the other network channels and probably just getting a season subscription for Walking Dead and GoT, we should be all set with the other options available on Apple TV (possibly HULU Plus, haven't decided).  My wife's only concern is we will no longer have DVR's, which is a valid concern so I'm still on the fence with that.  I'd hate to get TiVO or something like it for just the network stations we'll bring in with the digital antenna, but I believe HULU Plus has Modern Family and The Middle so I may just get that to do away with any concern.  Basically any shows or movies we watch are on the TV's throughout the house, we very rarely watch it on our laptops or devices.  Only exception is our son who "owns" (ha) the old 1st Gen iPad.  He likes to watch youtube videos on it before bed, but I'm in the process of teaching him how to see his Toy Story and Polar Express movies in the Videos section (through home sharing).  He's 3, so it's taking a while haha.
Anyway, that covering the TV portion of things, I'm left with my iTunes library.  Right now I keep the files and all physical downloads (music and movies) on the Mac Mini, and then it is accessed through Home Sharing by the Apple TV's (and devices if we choose).  I copied my entire DVD collection to iTunes so essentially anything entertainment wise in my house is digital....no DVDs, CDs, etc.
Here's my question I guess....what is your recommendation for how I should set everything up based on what you've seen above?  Below are a couple preferences/concerns I have:
Right now my Mac Mini basically acts as the "server."  It is hooked up to the TV in our living room right now.  I hardly ever use it as a "computer" since we both have our Macbook Air's, but I do use it from time to time if I need to copy a DVD or CD over to iTunes.  Otherwise, it's basically the "server".  I have read several things that talked about using the Time Capsule as a shared drive that would allow you to access it from any location as long as you're connected to internet (I set it up that way and tested it, and it does work).  Should I possibly move my entire iTunes library (music, movies, etc) onto the Time Capsule that way, just in case, I could access all our movies from any location (I know I can already with the music through iTunes match, but that doesn't work for movies).  It's really not a HUGE concern for me right now, but it would just be nice to have.  How would that affect my home sharing setup though?  Would all my devices (including Apple TV's) be able to access the music and movies through the Time Capsule?  Also, would it be slower streaming from the TC rather than the Mac Mini?
This may be off topic, but if I continue to use the Mac Mini as my "server", would I benefit from upgrading the RAM from 8GB to 16GB?  Not sure that affect much, but just a thought.
Right now I don't do the constant time machine backup to the Time Capsule.  I do it about once a month manually.  I guess subconsciously I'm just trying to keep some space free on it in case I want to use it as a shared drive.
Like I said, I have no problem keeping everything on the Mac Mini and using it as the "server", I just want to confirm I'm doing things the most efficient way possible with the set up I have above.
If anyone has any recommendations about the best way I should set everything up (I'm also not against buying anything additional that might make it a more efficient set up) please feel free to comment.  Basically I just want a seamless Apple household where all I have to do is "think it" and then it happens.  Haha.  Thanks in advance for your comments!

Thank you lordstag!! worked perfectly
Linksys
Setup > Basic Setup >
Local IP Address
Before: 192.168.1.1
After: 192.168.0.100
DHCP Server: Disable
Connected network cable from Motorola LAN port 4 ---> Linksys LAN port 1, left the Internet port on the Linksys empty
Motorola
Basic > DHCP >
DHCP Server: Yes
Starting Local Address: 192.168.0.100
Renewed the IP's of the clients
'ipconfig /release' to let go of the address.
'ipconfig /renew' to obtain a new IP address
This is how my network now looks and works
One last question, could this have been done using the Internet port on the Linksys Router?
I appreciate all the help, Thanks again !

Similar Messages

  • Various network setups for media serving and backups

    Are there any good sites, blog posts, etc that show different home network configurations with a Time Capsule, external HDs and Macs for handling backups and media serving? Right now I have a simple Setup where my TC backs up my MBP. I also have a couple externals HDs w a lot of music and video that's not in my iTunes library on the MBP, the HD of which is at capacity. I know I want to be able to easily access all of that content on my MBP, AppleTV, iPhone, iPad. I also want to have a good backup solution (possibly even a backup of the backup for redundancy). I just don't know the simplest way to do it and haven't found a good resource to see the alternatives and/or pros/cons of different configurations. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

    This is as I posted a Self help forum the only BT presence are the forum moderators your very likely to get help from other forum users it is just a matter of waiting until some one with gaming knowledge reads your post
    If you want to say thanks for a helpful answer,please click on the Ratings star on the left-hand side If the reply answers your question then please mark as ’Mark as Accepted Solution’

  • Home Network Setup Help ( Motorola & Linksys)

    Hi,
    I need help configuring my home network, I have created a diagram using gliffy.com to help view my current setup.
    Currently all wired and wireless computers connect to the internet successfully, that's with default settings. The only thing I have changed is the SSID and Wireless password.
    I need help figuring out the settings I need to input for the Motorola and the Linksys Routers so all computers can find each other in the network.
    I really don't know what the exact technical terms might be, but if you need more information I can gather it. Thank you!
    Linksys by Cisco - WRT54G Support
    Motorola SBG6580 SURFboard eXtreme Wireless Cable Modem Gateway
    Solved!
    Go to Solution.

    Thank you lordstag!! worked perfectly
    Linksys
    Setup > Basic Setup >
    Local IP Address
    Before: 192.168.1.1
    After: 192.168.0.100
    DHCP Server: Disable
    Connected network cable from Motorola LAN port 4 ---> Linksys LAN port 1, left the Internet port on the Linksys empty
    Motorola
    Basic > DHCP >
    DHCP Server: Yes
    Starting Local Address: 192.168.0.100
    Renewed the IP's of the clients
    'ipconfig /release' to let go of the address.
    'ipconfig /renew' to obtain a new IP address
    This is how my network now looks and works
    One last question, could this have been done using the Internet port on the Linksys Router?
    I appreciate all the help, Thanks again !

  • Printer Sharing Home Network Setup

    I wasn't sure whether to put this into the 'Bonjour for Windows' section or not but since it has to deal with a home network I'm putting it here.
    Ok, I have my brand new MacBook Pro and I want to set up wireless printing from it. My HP OfficeJet 4200 series printer doesn't have an ability to connect to the router via ethernet so basically all it connects to is my PC.
    My PC is always connected to my printer and I never really use it (why would I?). Is there a way to print files from my MacBook Pro wirelessly?
    So basially my set up is the printer being connected to my PC and the PC is connected to the internet via my Netgear router. My MacBook Pro is connected to the internet via the same Netgear wireless router.
    Is there any way that I can print wirelessly? Thanks

    It is possible. After a week of research I was able to print from an eMacG3, iMac intel, and PowerBookG4.
    If you have any problem while the setup, take a look at this link:
    http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=490253&tstart=0
    iMac Intel Core Duo   Mac OS X (10.4.6)   iPod Video 60Gb

  • Basic home network setup troubles: Airport, ethernet, and cable modem

    Hi,
    Having only just subscribed to a cable broadband service we're experiencing some troubles setting up a mixed-mode home network and I'm wondering whether we've got some of the very basics messed-up.
    What we have is:
    1. Recent version (white) ibook, with airport, running 10.4.7;
    2. Old G4 PowerPC (450MHz I think) running 10.4.7 ... airport card available;
    3. Old powerbook (?Lombard) running 10.2.8 ... no airport;
    4. A PC running Windows XP (not that important to have this in the network though) with no wireless;
    5. A 3com SuperStack 1100 switch;
    6. A cable modem;
    7. A Linksys BEFSX41 Etherfast Cable/DSL Router ... 4 ethernet switch ports;
    8. An airport express base station;
    9. An HP laser printer connected into the ethernet LAN.
    We'd like to keep both our wireless and ethernet networks running with all computers able to access one another, print to the laser printer, and access the broadband (fixed IP address) account. We're not (yet) conderned with hosting websites from our home computers.
    I'm unsure of how we should configure this system. Do I connect the airport base station to the switch (which is what we presently have) or into the router? Do I connect each of the hardwired PCs (and the printer) into the switch
    and then the switch to the router via single conenction?
    If we use DHCP to access the router have I got the potential for the router and the airport base station to interfere with one another?
    Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I've pulled a few TCP/IP setup-for-idiots books from our local library but this specific situation doesn't seem to be well covered.
    Cheers
    Dougal

    You probably have a few options here that will work. Considering the number of wired devices, I would suggest the following:
    Cable modem > (Ethernet cable) > [Internet port] BEFSX41 [LAN_1] > (Ethernet cable) > SuperStack switch > (Ethernet cable) > [Ethernet port] AirPort Express Base Station (AX) > (wireless) > wireless clients, AND
    SuperStack switch > (Ethernet cable) > wired clients
    Then setup the AX as a bridge, as follows:
    To set up the AirPort Express Base Station (AX) as a bridge, using the AirPort Admin Utility, connect your computer directly (using an Ethernet cable) to the Ethernet port of the AX, and then, make these settings:
    Network tab
    - Distribute IP addresses (unchecked)
    - Apply the new setting.
    - Wait at least 5 minutes.

  • Home network setup HELP

    Hi
    Firstly I cannot get my Linksys RE1000 to work with my network having tried the set up CD on 2 computers (mac and windows)
    The main router is a BT Home Hub 2.0
    any suggestions
    Secondly this is what I am trying to achieve so help to do that would be great.....
    The main router is in the basement where out internet connection enters the house, also in the basement is our LAN board where we have ethernet cables extending to parts of the house. There is weak wireless signal from groundfloor up to the top floor so wanted to find something where I could plug into the ethernet port and it would broadcast an wireless network to the upper floors/areas with a weaker signal. Thought the RE1000 would do this job but i can't get it to do it wirelessly let alone connect it to the main router using a ethernet cable
    HELP Please.

    If you already have ethernet cable running throughout your house, then a wireless access point is probably your best solution........not the RE1000.
    It took me a couple tries to get a RE1000 up and running.  I'm pretty sure I didn't read or follow the directions.  I remember having to reset it a couple times using the reset button on the back of the RE1000.
    You'll need to have the RE1000 close to your main wireless router when you are setting it up.
    But again, if you already have ethernet cable running to parts of your house, the RE1000 is not your best solution.
    Best solutions in order:
    1. WAP610n
    http://homestore.cisco.com/en-us/access-points/linksys-WAP610N_stcVVproductId80342978VVviewprod.htm
    2. Powerline adapter
    http://homestore.cisco.com/en-us/products/linksys-powerline_stcVVcatId554690VVviewcat.htm
    3. RE1000 (last resort)

  • Help with design of this home network setup

    Hello all
    My friend's home has internet through Comcast and their modem is an RCA DHG535-2. This modem is currently functional in their office within the home. Their problem is the wireless signal is very weak in their basement. They have purchased a TC and have placed it in their office and wired to their iMac through ethernet. Is their a better way to design this setup so the Time Capsule can provide a broader and better range throughout their home?
    For example,
    1) Can the physical location of the TC change in order to broaden and evenly provide wireless range throughout the home? I would think not since the TC needs to be wired connected to the modem.
    2) Would an Airport Express help out?
    If you can provide a step by step to set this up, I would greatly appreciate this
    Many thanks
    RezF

    Rezf, welcome to the discussion area!
    1) Can the physical location of the TC change in order to broaden and evenly provide wireless range throughout the home? I would think not since the TC needs to be wired connected to the modem.
    Since you mention that the TC is connected to the iMac with an ethernet cable, it sounds like the location options of the TC are going to be somewhat limited. Technically, you could locate the TC anywhere as long it was connected to the modem with an ethernet cable.
    If the office is located in a central area of the home, that would be a good location for the TC
    2) Would an Airport Express help out?
    Possibly. The usual location for an AirPort Express is a point that is approximately 1/2 to 2/3 the distance from the main router (the TC) to the area that needs more coverage. If you have a laptop handy, move it to the proposed location of the AirPort Express and see if you can get a good, stable internet connection at that location. If you can, the AirPort Express should provide improved wireless coverage to the basement.
    If your friends can pull an ethernet cable from the TC to the area in the basement that needs more wireless coverage and connect an AirPort Express to the ethernet cable, that will provide the strongest wireless signal to the specific area.

  • Issues with Time Capsule or Home Network Setup

    I have the following network:
    {if this image does not come through well here is a link to one: http://daviddwight.smugmug.com/photos/i-WTzcHBn/0/XL/i-WTzcHBn-XL.jpg }
    Bill of Materials:
    2Wire DSL Modem (also set up making a wireless network)
    Ethernet running from Modem to Apple Time Capsule (also making a wireless network)
    Time Capsule hooked to 27" iMac (OS 10.7.2) via Ethernet
    Time Capsule hooked to a powered USB Hub
    2 printers connected to hub
    2 external disk drives connected to hub
    wireless devices are an xBox, 2 iPod touches, and iPhone, an iPad, a MacBook and an AirPort Express hooked to a Stereo
    I have an AirPort Express I don't use
    The iMac Time Machine uses the Time Capsule
    Everything works except:
    the AirPort Express music drops out often
    but more importantly I want to have the MacBook use a partition on one of the external disk drives for its Time Machine storage - it always has trouble mounting the drive, it will crank for hours and then give an error
    Every once in a while I get an error that says something like "another device already using this IP address"
    I think I may have a problem with DHCP or NAT or something
    Can someone help provide some advice

    Nice pic!!
    Is the imac and MBP using Lion?
    Is the TC running 7.6 firmware?
    Has the issue existed since you put this together or happened subsequent to firmware or OS upgrades?
    To some extent what you answer to the above will alter the advice.. but I would try a network rearrange which I know is a real pain.. a lot of work and I cannot promise it will solve things.. but I would like you to run the modem in router mode and the TC in bridge. Set a very short dhcp lease on the 2wire.. 10min.. the renewal of IP will not affect network performance in signifcant way.. but will help keep arp tables up to date.
    Use manual setup for wireless on the TC.. fix the channels and make sure security is set WPA2 with a decent passkey.. and set all the names of things (and passwords) to no spaces.. no special characters.. straight alphanumeric. Wireless bridging will handle fixed channel much better than auto.
    This could all achieve nothing.. but it is hard to track the issue.
    You should also study the log of the TC.. but it does not seem to report an awful lot.
    Do any devices have static IP set? If not then the TC is not handling DHCP very well if you are getting duplicate IP addresses. That is why I want you to try something else as the main router.
    For devices like the printers. I have to admit being surprised you can manage both printers. USB hubs are a bit notorious for being a mixed bag.. if things go wrong with external USB drive I would be looking at finding a more compatible powered hub. Since these a cheap anyway.. it is finding one that agrees with TC or AEBS.. do a google search for what people are using.. again nothing might fix the problem.. but if you try something different.. hopefully with a different chipset.. it helps narrow the issue.
    BTW plug the hug into the Mac and your system profiler will show lots of info about the USB device.

  • Apple Home Networking Setup

    Hi, hope someone could help before i do purchase the whole package I need from apple.
    This is the current network i did design, however I would really appreciate any tips or corrections regarding the set up.
    INTERNET ROUTER>SWITCH*>TIME CAPSULE>PORT 1 > ethernet connected KITCHEN AIRPORT EXPRESS
                                                                                  PORT 2 > ethernet connected TV AREA > SWITCH > PORT 1 AIRPORT EXPRESS
                                                                                                                                                                    PORT 2 BOSE SURROUND SYSTEM
                                                                                                                                                                    PORT 3 APPLE TV
                                                                                                                                                                    PORT 4 MAC > USB/ETHERNET > PRINTER
                                                                                                                                        (or would be better to add the printer to a FIFT PORT of the switch?)
                                                                                                                                                                    PORT 5 SKY BOX
                                                                                  PORT 3 > ethernet connected > SWITCH***> 4 ethernet connected AIRPORT EXPRESS (other floors)
                                                                                                    As i pads cannot be connected to the Ethernet then those will stream (wall mounted).
    *This SWITCH will incorporate CCTV hub, Lights hub, EVOHOME hub, INTERCOM hub and 11 ethernet cables coming from various room wall plugs.
    **This SWITCH will incorporate all TV AREA technology. Would all these switches create issues?
    ***This SWITCH will incorporate the 4 cables of the AIRPORT EXPRESS(S) from other rooms so to be able to get them all in the TIME CAPSULE port.
    I did replace the AIRPORT EXTREME with the TIME CAPSULE for the back up
    I tried to get all the AIRPORTEXPRESS etc.. into the TIMECAPSULE direct port
    Would you move something before/after the main switch* or other ideas to get data flowing smoothly?
    Thank you
    Kerry

    One item of concern with your proposed networking diagram is that the INTERNET ROUTER. Are you suggesting using a combination modem & router or gateway device here? If it is, then your network, as designed, should work just fine. Usually, gateway devices incorporate a built-in multi-port switch.
    The only other question I have is: Is the switch at: PORT 2 > ethernet connected TV AREA > SWITCH > PORT 1 AIRPORT EXPRESS the switch you identified with a double star? Otherwise I could not find this switch.

  • Get File/Put File Kills Home Network Connection

    Recently encountered a problem with Dreamweaver CS5 where when I try and put or get multiple files to my server, I lose internet connection. I don't just mean wireless connection, but my entire home network fails. I have to reset my router to regain connection only to have it happen again. I have tried hardwiring the laptop to the router, same thing. I have tried hardwiring the laptop to the cable modem, same thing. When the network fails, my PC that is hardwired to the router also loses connection. I am currently using the newest generation 17" MacBook Pro, 2.66GHz, 8 GB, with Mac OS X 10.6.4, running Adobe Creative Suite Design Premium CS5. My home network setup includes a Comcast cable modem, hardwired to a Linksys router that provides my wireless network as well as a hardwired connection to my PC. I can connect to my server fine and upload and download multiple files with other FTP programs such as Filezilla, but whenever I use Dreamweaver it kills my internet connection every time. I have tried to find other information on this and have only come across a few others who are experiencing this issue and can not find a solution. Please see the following links:
    Seems it was a CS4 problem too: http://forums.adobe.com/message/2448960#2448960
    Another person thinking it was a Windows issue: http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7programs/thread/88a38e07-f050-4800-a1f7 -7b0570f88eaa
    Between these threads and my problem I have narrowed it down to a Dreamweaver issue but can not find any solutions besides using another FTP program which greatly hinders my workflow. Any advice would be appreciated.
    Thanks,
    Brian

    the problem for me was my network cards driver.  I dont know how mac handles drivers but when i changed back to the previous version
    of the driver it started working fine.  Before that i had to restart my network when i tried to put a big file with DW.

  • Devices not showing up on home network

    I have a home network that includes a Mac Mini hooked up to our TV, MPB, MB, iPhone, and iPod Touch.  The Mac Mini is my media hub.  I have home sharing turned on, so that in a perfect world, I could watch my iTunes library on my phone, etc.  Additionally, I often use the "Remote" app on my phone to control iTunes on the big screen.
    The problem is that sometimes my phone can connect to the mini, sometimes it can't.  Sometimes the MPB sees the MB, or the Mini, sometimes it doesn't.  Sometimes restarting the router solves the problem, sometimes it doesn't.  Basically, sometimes any or all of the devices can see each other, and sometimes they can't.  Durring all of this, connection to the internet is always working.
    Any advice would really help.

    I am pleased it is sorted
    That information page was provided by forum member kayster who I was assisting with their problem.
    It seemed a good idea to make it available to other BT Internet users.
    There are some useful help pages here, for BT Broadband customers only, on my personal website.
    BT Broadband customers - help with broadband, WiFi, networking, e-mail and phones.

  • How do I integrate Ipad2 into a Windows Home network?

    I have a Windows home network setup consisting of a number of computers running Windows Vista and Windows 7. I need to integrate my newly purchased IPad2 into this network; at the very least, I need to access the network printer.
    Thanks in advance,
    s660117

    The only way to get your iPad into your network is if your network has wi-fi. You configure the iPad for a wi-fi network in Settings/Wi-Fi.
    To print to your printer it needs to be an AirPrint printer. If not you may be able to print to the printer if it is USB and connected to one of your computers or your network's router. To print to a USB printer, you may be able to use an iOS printing app, available from the iTunes App Store or by installing AirPrint on the computer.
    Install AirPrint on a PC;
    http://jaxov.com/2010/11/how-to-enable-airprint-service-on-windows/

  • Having troubles setting up home networking and cant locate comcast isp # and other related info neccessary to do so

    please forgive my computer illiteracy.. I'm trying to set up home networking to include my laptop, husband's i-pad and our mobile phones if possible. I need my internet options info (isp#, etc) and can't locate them

    Sorry, that topic is beyond the range of Firefox support. Try posting in a "networking" support forum like this: <br />
    http://www.broadbandreports.com/forum/sharing

  • Suggestions for best home network set up?

    I have a iMac 2.93 Intel i7 with 8GB of memory, I would like to set up a home network to include my apple TV, wireless printer and iPad.  I was using an air port express as a router before the apple TV and once the apple TV was in the mix the Internet speed via the router was cut in half.  My question is how should I set up my home network to get the best results (streaming speeds, Internet etc..)  Is a airport extream in my future or can I utilize what I have to get things going smoothly?  Any suggestions would be appreciated, as of this moment the different techniques I've used have resulted in nothing but slow headaches.

    You may want to post your quesiton in the Airport forum.
    I would be looking at a Dual-channel Time Capsule. The latest release perform better than early versions.
    Do you have any b/g wireless devices on your network?

  • Acessing Home Network Over the Internet

    Hi,
    I have a home network setup with a linksys BEFSR81 wired router with my iMac connected to the internet through it. I also have a PowerBook G4 that I use at my office. Using Apple's new ARD 3.0 software, is it possible to control and access my iMac through this setup. Note everything is set now to the most basic network setup. I am looking for something secure such as a VPN, how would I go about setting this up?

    You would need a VPN Server capable router. The one's I have used are SnapGear (now CyberGuard) and Cisco. You might be able to get one from Linksys as well for cheap.
    Your BEFSR81 also doesn't support Dynamic DNS services and is a pretty basic router relatively speaking.
    This is not a trivial configuration and you willl need a lot of knowledge to get it accomplished.
    If you can live with something less secure:
    Step 1. Set the IP Address of your iMac manually.
    Step 2. Forward ports 5900 and 3283 both udp and tcp to your iMac's IP address.
    Step 3. Find out what is the WAN address of your router.
    Step 4. On your Powerbook away from home, type in the WAN address in the addess field of ARD.
    Step 5. Click "Control" on ARD and enter your short name and password of the iMac.
    I would recommend you hire a mac consultant to make sure your network is secure if you are worried about vulnerabilities.
    Good Luck.
    Rob
    PB G4 Alu   Mac OS X (10.4.6)  

Maybe you are looking for