I have a wireless modem just want time capsule to backup do I have to use Ethernet cable

I just bought time capsule to wirelessly backup since I never remembered to connect my old system that stopped working. If I just plug it in will my Mac see it or do I have to have the time capsule connected to the modem/wireless router in the house? 

Our recommendation would be to follow the instructions in the Time Capsule Setup Guide to connect the Time Capsule to your modem/router using a wired Ethernet connection.
If you have plenty of time to experiment, and do not become frustrated easily, you might be able to configure the Time Capsule to connect using wireless only.  But, even if you succeed with the setup,  there are some serious downsides here:
1) This type of configuration is not officially supported by Apple
2) Backups will take twice as long as normal due to a "double hop" connection that must occur during backups.
"Hop one" would the wireless connection between the Mac and your modem/router. "Hop two" would be the signal traveling back again from the modem/router to the Time Capsule.
3) In addition to taking twice as long as normal, the chances of an error occurring during a backup are doubled.
Since this type of backup is VERY SLOW, you would want to allow a full day or two for the first backup of your Mac to the Time Capsule.  The same backup using a wired Ethernet connection would probably take a 2-3 hours.
The bottom line here is that this is perfect example of a situation where the fact that you might be able to do something does not in any way imply that you should do it.
But, it's your decision.

Similar Messages

  • I have connected my time capsule to motorola SG6580 modem via ethernet.  I have a wireless network on the motorola and a wireless network from the time capsule.  I get duplicate IPs error messages sometimes. How do I fix?

    I have connected my time capsule to motorola SG6580 modem via ethernet.  I have a wireless network on the motorola and a wireless network from the time capsule.  I get duplicate IPs error messages (no connection) sometimes when trying to connect devices to the wireless network. How do I fix? Sometimes devices cannot connect to the network because of conflicting IPs.  I look on the Motorola and every device has a unique IP assigned but occasionally a device has taken the IP of another device.  I have been writing down all the devices and the IPs they have been using.  It happens more with PCs than Macs, ipads or iPhones.

    If the Time Capsule is set up correctly in bridge mode, then it is the responsibility of the Motorola modem/router to provide the correct IP address assignments for all devices on the network.
    Check to insure that the Time Capsule is correctly set up to operate in bridge mode as follows:
    On your Mac, open AirPort Utility
    Finder > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility
    Click on the Time Capsule icon, then click Edit in the smaller window that appears
    Click the Network tab at the top of the next window
    Insure that the setting for Router Mode is configured to read "Off (Bridge Mode)"
    Once you have confirmed that the Time Capsule is configured correctly, everything else is the responsibility of the Motorola modem/router as far as network routing and IP address assignments for devices.
    If you continue to have IP address issues, then you should contact the Internet Service Provider (ISP) that provided the Motorola device to you and ask them to fix the issue.

  • Want to backup a Seagate Wireless Plus to my Time Capsule via Time Machine

    Hi,
    I currently have my macbook and an external drive with movies backed up via time machine to a Time Capsule.  I want to replace the storage device with a Seagate wireless plus in order to both store and stream data with other platforms in the house.  I still want to regularily back up this wireless storage device to Time Capsule as a safety net.  Can I do this wirelessly or does the new Seagate drive need to be physically connected to my Mac or to the USB port on the TC?  I don't want it to be part of the TC, I just want it to be a disk available for back up to the TC.

    Have a long hard think about this.
    Reading the review of the seagate, the problems with using a wireless device like this are great..
    This device is trying to be a network device.. that is the only way you can connect to wireless.. but at the same time, provide some access to the internet.
    Wireless on your computers/idevices cannot connect to two wireless AP's at the same time.. That makes the Seagate useless.
    Read the review. http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/review/seagate/wireless_plus_1tb_hard_drive/457705 /
    What it is apparently doing is providing a link to your main wireless router.. ie the TC.. so you can have internet at the same time.. but note.. this is extremely slow.. as noted in the review.. the internet speed is really poor due to the lack of proper networking. You are using a box which is effectively a hotspot.. but is linked by wireless to your main router.. If you want a definition of how NOT to use wireless in a network this is it.
    Without ethernet connection forget it. To simply have a wireless hotspot to carry around with you.. IMHO there are lower cost and superior ways.. since wireless is not of much use and will be slow.. plug a 2.5" drive directly into your computer. Or use cloud services with a 3G or 4G modem or tether to your phone. Don't forget you can carry around a pretty big store of files now in SD cards.
    I also like the idea of being able to take the wireless portable drive wtih me so I can edit photos or view photos from my other laptop on the road.
    So you cannot plug the USB drive into the other machine?? Wireless hotspot usage without 3G connection for on road seems to be an expense for not much gain.. but of course if you want it for this great.. just don't expect to put it into the network easily other than by USB. And for that to work I would need to study the specs more closely.. but if you cannot format it HFS+ don't bother. Using iphoto on non-HFS+ drives is not recommended.
    If I go with a NAS drive - I can connect that to the TC for connectivity, but then how to incorporate the data on that NAS drive onto the TC as part of the backup.
    CCC is $40 software.. it will do whatever you like.
    but losing the photos and home videos would be:(
    You must be very careful with iphoto library.. and videos more than likely.
    iPhoto: Issues with FAT32-formatted drives
    iPhoto: Sharing libraries among multiple users
    This article states..
    It's recommended that you store your iPhoto library on a locally mounted hard drive. Storing your iPhoto library on a network share can lead to poor performance, data corruption, or data loss.
    You are playing with fire using the Seagate to edit iphoto library.. and it is important you realise the risk.

  • Hi, I want to use my Capsule just as a back up via wireless. How do I set this up without connecting it with an ethernet cable to either a router or the iMac??

    Hi, I want to use my Capsule just as a back up via wireless. How do I set this up without connecting it with an ethernet cable to either a router or the iMac??

    I misunderstood what Time Capsule is and had hoped for a wireless backup device that didn't have to be connected to the router.
    The TC is a wireless backup device.. it does not need to be connected to the main router..
    The problem is the computer.. not the TC.. the computer has only one wireless card.. if your current internet is by wireless.. then you must choose.. internet or backup.
    But my other suggestion will work.. get a wireless USB stick compatible with Mac OS.. there are plenty and cheap.. since you are in the same room as the TC they will work fine.. plug it in and load the driver.. taint hard.
    You should do the first backup by ethernet though.. wireless is too slow.. once you have that, you will do fine.
    Search ebay for wireless n usb.. Mac compatible..
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-EDUP-Mini-Wireless-11N-300M-USB-LAN-Card-WiFi-Adapte r-Nano-Card-Soft-AP-/150864362939?pt=US_USB_Wi_Fi_Adapters_Dongles&hash=item2320 377dbb#ht_3553wt_1165
    As you can see.. they are getting smaller and neater.
    I have no idea if it works .. haven't tried one.. but I have used USB wireless stick on the Mac to overcome this issue.
    You will need to set static IP .. not hard but you need to set specifics if you do buy one post again for the setup.

  • I just purchased Time Capsule today.  I ONLY want to use it as an external drive.  I do not need it for Time Machine. I can see the TC in my finder, but when I click on a file or video to drag and drop, I get message that TC can't be modified. Help please

    I just purchased Time Capsule today.  I ONLY want to use it as an external drive.  I do not need it for Time Machine. I need to free up room on my computer. As of now, I can't even load updates. I can see the TC in my finder, but when I click on a file or video to drag and drop, I get message that TC can't be modified. Help please!

    I agree with Kappy.. passing files and especially via wireless is slow as slow.
    Just need to be sure your TC is the new AC model??
    And the OS on the computer is Lion?
    Have you completed the setup of the TC via the utility? You do still need to get internet via the TC so it has to be plugged into the main router..
    Give us the full picture of the network.
    Then we can help you get into it.. whether you should put your files on it is another question.

  • I want to install a new Time Capsule for backups. I also have a B box2 from Belgacom for the digital TV, so how do I install?

    Hi,
    I want to install a new Time Capsule for backups. I also have a B box2 from Belgacom for the digital TV, so how do I install?

    Just setup the TC in bridge.
    Assuming you are using Lion.. download the airport utility that has some utility.
    http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1482
    Then manual setup, internet tab, connection sharing.. off bridge mode.
    Then plug the TC into the Bbox and just use it as wireless target for your air.
    You can use wireless on Bbox if that works as well, and you might need to juggle wireless channels to get everything working. Having both set to auto is not a good idea.. set and lock channels on one or the other but best is both.. On the TC go to the airport wireless page. change it to manual.. lock the channel. You can use 1, 6, 11 or 13 in ETSI..

  • I have a cable modem for my Time Capsule.  Do I need a separate cable modem for my airport express?

    I have a cable modem for my Time Capsule.  Do I need a separate cable modem for my Airport Express?  (I'm using it to "extend" my network and also for Air Play.)

    No, you connect to your Time Capsule wirelessly to "Extend" the network..
    See this Apple doc:
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4259?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US

  • I have just bought time capsule and airport works

    I have just bought time capsule and the airport part is working, but when I try to link to the back up disc I get a request for a password. "writeconfig wants to use the "com.apple.parentcontrols.keychain.YynLph keychain. Any ideas? I've tried a number of passwords for the mac and none work.

    Please see Resetting an AirPort base station FAQ.
    You can do it from using a paper clip and the reset button on the back of the unit. See the link above.

  • Just bought Time Capsule and do not intend to use as a router. Can I use it just as a wireless backup to my Mac?

    Hi all - Just bought Time Capsule and do not intend to use as a router given that my Uverse router works splendidly.  Can I use it just as a wireless backup to my Mac? Sorry if this is a boneheaded question, but this is my first time backing up my machine ( I know, foolish). Thanks!

    Your problem will be if you use wireless for internet then you cannot do both internet and backup at once.. you still should plug the TC into the uverse router and set it in bridge mode.. you can setup wireless if you like on the TC and use either TC or uverse but you must work out how to do both at once.
    If you use ethernet on the Mac then wireless to backup is also a bit of an issue.. please ask as I can show you the setup.. or visa versa.. wireless for internet and ethernet for backup..

  • First timer.  Just installed Time Capsule.  The first backup looks like it will take two days at the pressent speed.  Can I close MacBook Pro and have first back up  continue, and can I unplug and plug in at work without affecting the backup?

    I'm a first timer on this (or any) help site. I just installed Time Capsule.  The first backup looks like it will take two days at the present speed.  Can I close MacBook Pro and have first back up continue, and can I unplug tomorrow and plug in at work without affecting the backup?

    Hi Oneinspirit,
    Time Machine backups can be paused by choosing "Stop Backing Up" from the Time Machine icon on the right hand side of your menu bar ( ). Once you're ready to resume the backup, you can choose "Back Up Now" from the same icon.
    Start a backup: Click the Time Machine icon  in the menu bar, then choose Back Up Now.
    Pause a backup: Click the Time Machine icon  in the menu bar, then choose Stop Backing Up.
    OS X Yosemite: Start, pause, and resume a Time Machine backup
    http://support.apple.com/kb/PH18851
    All my best,
    Allen

  • Just bought Time Capsule and im confused.

    I just bought time capsule and I didn't want to open it yet since I don't want to pay the 10% restocking fee if i opened it. So i have a couple questions
    my internet provider is telus, and i don't want to take out my modem. Is there anyway to just add this on so? all i want to do is too wirelessly back up my files.
    Can you please give me step by step instructions? And one more thing do I need to pay extra to my internet provider?
    Thank you

    Is there anyway to put the Time Capsule on the third floor?
    You need to either use a wireless modem and plug the other devices into the Time Capsule through Ethernet, or run an Ethernet cable between the modem and the Time Capsule, or use another AirPort base station to broadcast the wireless signal and the Time Capsule to extend it.
    (44322)

  • As a Verizon FIOS client, can we just use Ethernet cable to connect to time capsule, or do we need their router to connect to the time capsule?

    As a Verizon FIOS client, can we just use Ethernet cable to connect to time capsule or do we need the Verizon router to connect to time capsule?

    The Time Capsule is indeed a wireless router with simultaneous dual band capability...and a hard drive for backup purposes. You can use that to your advantage if you configure the Time Capsule as I suggested in Bridge Mode.
    The Time Capsule will provide a 802.11n 5 GHz band and a 802.11n/g/b compatible 2.4 GHz band to allow virtually any device to connect to the network.
    I suppose that you could also use the "g" wireless network provided by the Verizon router as a "guest" network or something similar if you really do need another wireless network.
    It might be possible to configure the Time Capsule as the main router on the network....that's a question for Verizon. But even if you might be able to do this, I'm sure it is not supported by Verizon, so you would be on your own in the event of any Internet connection difficulties on your service.
    And, since the Time Capsule does not have a built in modem....you would still need to add a separate modem to the installation anyway.
    That's why my suggestion is to use the Verizon device as the "modem" and let the Time Capsule provide the dual band wireless network and of course, handle the Time Machine backups.

  • 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.

  • Can I use the AirPort Extreme as a wireless extender to my Time Capsule ?

    Can I use AirPort Extreme as a wireless extender ? I own a Time Capsule and want to extend my wireless network using the AirPort Extreme just because both have wifi AC. Also, does the AirPort Extreme need to be hook up via Ethernet if I extend

    The problem with extending using a wireless connection between the Time Capsule and AirPort Extreme is this.......
    The extender can only "extend" the speed of signal that it receives. The signal starts to lose speed as soon as it leaves the Time Capsule, and the signal will lose quite a bit of speed as it passes through the ceiling due to the thick construction. The ceiling presents what is known as "interference" to the wireless signal.
    So, the signal has slowed somewhat by the time that it reaches an AirPort Extreme that would be installed on the main floor.  That AirPort Extreme acting as an extender can make the signal that it receives go further, but it cannot make it go faster.  A better term than "extender" really might be "repeater".
    If you install an AirPort Extreme on the main floor, the signal upstairs will be stronger than it is now, and depending on how many obstructions there are between the AirPort Extreme and the upstairs area, the signal may be noticeably faster upstairs than it is now as well.
    With wireless connections between devices, there are always so many compromises and variables involved that it is just not possible to predict what the actual performance might be in your home until you try things out in your home. For that reason, it is always a good idea to understand the store's return policy in advance in case a new item does not deliver the performance that you are hoping to achieve.
    Now, let's say that you are able to pull an Ethernet cable from the Time Capsule to the main floor, and the AirPort Extreme is connected there in a nice, central location. Then, you could expect to receive about the same performance on the main floor that you receive in the basement, since the AirPort Extreme is receiving a full speed signal over the Ethernet cable from the Time Capsule. You can run an Ethernet cable about 330 feet, or about 100 meters with virtually no signal loss.
    The performance upstairs will improve as well, since the AirPort Extreme has a full speed signal to broadcast....not the slower speed signal that would receive from the Time Capsule if it connects using wireless.
    If you want to achieve the same type of performance upstairs that you have in the basement and main floor, then you will need to pull an additional Ethernet cable up to the upstairs floor and add another AirPort there.
    That would probably be the "best" wireless network system that you could install if you are looking at all the options. Few of us are lucky enough to be able to install the "best" network, but those that are receive remarkable wireless performance in return for their investment.

  • Macbook low wireless signal strength with Time Capsule

    Hi,
    I have a macbook (2,1) 1,83 Ghz connected to my brand new Time Capsule 1 TB in 802.11b/g/n compatible mode. I have also my iPhone hooked up to my Time Capsule through wireless network.
    I have issues on the macbook with the wifi, sometimes it drops and sometimes it is really slow.
    So I just checked on Time Capsule under the "Wireless Clients" tab in "Logs and statistics" to see the signal strength I get.
    I put both iPhone and macbook next to the Time Capsule, here are the results of the signal strength:
    I get a signal strength in dBm of :
    -27 for the macbook !!
    66 for the iphone !!
    Here is a screenshot: http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/3853/timcacapsulehm6.png
    Please help, I think I have a problem either with macbook or Leopard 10.5.2 ??

    The Time Capsule will provide more wireless signal coverage if you connect it permanently to the Virgin modem/router using a wired Ethernet connection. Ethernet cabling can be run up to 300 feet or 100 meters with virtually no loss, so you should be able to locate the Time Capsule where it will be needed.
    Configure the Time Capsule to create a new network that uses the same wireless network name and password as the Virgin wireless network and you will have, in effect, one "big" network.

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