New dual-band time capsule but computers only access 2.4ghz channel

Just set up a new dual-band Time Capsule (bought it prior to the latest release though). Everything is working so far - Time Machine, wireless internet - but I noticed that both computers in the apartment (2 Macbook Pros - one running 10.5.6, the other 10.6.1) are only accessing the wireless network on Channel 2 (2.4Ghz). And on the laptop running Snow Leopard, I'm only seeing transmit rates of between 50-100. On the Leopard laptop I see up to 130. Doesn't this suggest that the computers are only using the "b/g" band and not the "n" band? When I option-click on the airport menu icon on the SL laptop it does say PHY mode is 802.11n, but I have no idea what PHY mode means frankly.
I feel as though the laptops should be connecting on a much higher channel and seeing much higher transmit rates (closer to 300?), but I'm not at all well-versed in these wireless realms. Any help would be much appreciated...
thanks
Tom

Welcome to the discussions, Thomas!
+"And on the laptop running Snow Leopard, I'm only seeing transmit rates of between 50-100. On the Leopard laptop I see up to 130. Doesn't this suggest that the computers are only using the "b/g" band and not the "n" band?"+
If you were receiving "g" rates, the number would be 54 or less depending on the distance from the router to the computer, so you are seeing some "n" speeds from the 2.4 GHz network. I believe the default setting for this "guest" band is 802.11n (802.11b/g compatible).
Would suggest that you contact Apple as a number of users have reported that either the main network or guest network is not functioning correctly.
The default setting on the main network is 802.11n at 5 GHz, so if you have a good connection and are relatively close to the router, you should see speeds in the 200-270 range.
Many users assume that 5 GHz is a stronger signal, but the facts are that 5 GHz signals are absorbed by walls and obstructions much more quickly than 2.4 GHz signals, so depending on your home construction, distance from router, etc., the 5 GHz signal may not be strong enough. Your computers will connect to the strongest signal. If that's the 2.4 GHz band, that's where they will connect.

Similar Messages

Dual-band Time Capsule is, practically, useless, only if...

Hi everyone!
It goes like this: I bought a dual-band 2TB Time Capsule. I configured it and gave "2.4Ghz" as the name for the 2.4Ghz network. Then I went to "More Options" and named "5Ghz" the... 5Ghz network. They show up in the wireless networks list and seem to work fine, but...
Even though I put "5Ghz" above "2.4Ghz" in the preferred networks list ("System Preferences/Network/Advanced") the laptops (one MacBook Pro and one Air) always connect first to the "2.4Ghz" network. Only if I remove it all together for the network list do they connect by default to "5Ghz". And even so, sometimes I find myself on the "2.4Ghz", with no logical explanation, as it is no longer in the "known" network list. The only reason I bought a dual-band Time Capsule was to keep my compatible hardware on the 5Ghz band, for maximum speed, but still to be able to offer a wireless connection to older hardware (like an iPhone).
But it's not working out, does it... It only seems normal to me that 5Ghz compatible hardware connects always to the faster network and I really don't understand why OS X let's faster hardware to connect to a slower wi-fi connection.
So, what can I do to force the Pro and the Air to always connect to the "5Ghz" named... 5Ghz network? Did I miss something when configuring?
And one other thing: if I don't give a separate name to the 5Ghz network and, theoretically, let Time Capsule do all the management, the laptops still don't use the 5Ghz band, which they should. At least in my logic...
Thanks.

Well I did that, but on the Air the first thing it did - after I removed the password from the keychain and the preferred network list - was to connect to the 2.4Ghz network... :)) I connected manually to the 5Ghz network and restarted the system again. This time in the keychain appears the 5Ghz network and it did connect to it by default.
No such issues on the MacBook Pro, but somehow I feel it's a matter of time until they're gonna connect to the g network again...
The management of the dual-band Time Capsule is very weak... We should have had the option to give a different password for the 5Ghz network from the beginning...
Message was edited by: szlaeyer

Cannot connect Airport Express N to Dual Band Time Capsule at N speed

Long time reader, first time poster. I am usually pretty good at solving my problems without posting, but I have been attempting to solve this problem for a while without success, so here it goes.
I have a dual band Time Capsule that I want to run at 5Ghz N and 2.4GHz b/g/n (using the OPTION key when selecting "Radio Mode" to select this option). This runs fine on its own. However, I also want to set-up a new Airport Extreme N to run as an extender for the 5Ghz network, and here is where I have problems.
I have already set-up the 5Ghz network to be under a separate SSID. I have also selected to use Wide Channels, Multicast Rate=High, and Transmit Rate=100%. I have also been sure to make sure that I have selected "Allow this network to be extended" in the TC. As of yet, I have not even attempted any WEP/WAP key security, and the SSID is visible.
When I attempt to connect the AEx as a repeater (using the "Extend a wireless network" option on the AEx) the AEx will not see the 5Ghz network name. It will only allow me to select the 2.4Ghz SSID, even though I have a distinct SSID for the 5Ghz.
Note: both my iMac and my AppleTV can see and connect to the 5Ghz network. I am attempting to set-up the AEx right next to the TC before attempting to see how faraway I can move it.
I have additionally tried to set-up the AEx to repeat the 2.4Ghz network. In b/g/n mode it will repeat, however it only ever seems to get the g speeds. If I set-up the TC to only do N networks (ie one SSID as the 5Ghz N Network and one SSID 2.4Ghz networks) the other clients (the iMac and the AppleTV) can see and connect to each, however the AEx won't connect at all.
What am I doing wrong? I feel that I have been very thorough with my approach. Any help would be very welcome.

Welcome to the discussions!
I don't have a solid answer yet to your issue, but would offer a few comments that might help sort things out.
I'm confused by your statement that you are able to extend the 2.4 GHz network, because the dual band TC does not allow the guest network to be extended. Check AirPort Utility - Manual Setup. Click the Wireless tab. I don't have a dual band TC, but I believe if you click the Options button, you will see more info about extending.
While there is a check box next to "Allow this network to be extended" for the main network, there is not a check box for the "Guest" network. It's not there, or least it's not there in the guide that I'm looking at.
I suspect that your computer was picking up the 2.4 GHz network from the TC, not from your Extreme. To verify this, open AirPort Utility again and click on Manual Setup for the TC. On the summary page, note the MAC address for wireless on the TC. Now, do the same thing for the Extreme.
Use your computer now to check things. Hold down the option key and click on the Airport icon at the top of the screen. The MAC address of the device that you are connected to will be displayed.
Have you tried to move the Extreme to a more remote location? You note that you have the two devices, TC and Extreme very close together. As a test, position the Extreme approximately half way between the TC and the area that you want to extend to and see if you can connect with your computer. Check to see if your computer is connecting to the Extreme or the TC by holding down the option key as above.
You have probably already done this, but check on the setup for the Extreme using AirPort Utility - Manual Setup - Wireless tab. There is a check box either on the Wireless page or the Options page to "Allow wireless clients". This must be checked for wireless clients to be able to connect to the the Extreme.
Post back with your findings and we'll try to figure this out.

Dual Band Time Capsule - networking issues

I upgraded from an original Time Capsule that had been running successfully on the 5Ghz band with firmware 7.4.1.
I changed my original TC out and setup everything from scratch so that the DB TC was connected to my cable modem and provided the DHCP leases. Set it to provide N only services on 5Ghz and b/g on 2.4 (I tried the automatic and the manual settings during troubleshooting). Guest networking was turned on and was serving up on the 2.4Ghz channel.
Next I moved my original TC to another room, extended the new DB TC on the 5Ghz network and everything seemed fine.
But then I noticed that whenever I started to run a TM backup (over airport or wireless) that eventually my original TC would seem to go deaf. I could not access the internet through it. However, Airport utility could still see it. On further examination I realized it had lost its IPv4 DHCP address and was only displaying an IPv6 address in the Airport Utility.
After many isolation steps and no success, I decided to move the old TC into the same room as the new DB, connect them via ethernet and turn off the wireless on my old TC altogether to prevent interference. That seemed to work. Until a TM backup was kicked off (btw - all backups right now are to the original TC not the new DB).
Finally, I disconnected the original TC altogether and just let the DB TC run everything (but still I was not backing up to it). Now the new TC by itself seems to stop allowing access to the internet. Internal network is fine. What is really odd, is that rebooting the DB TC sometimes doesn't seem to help. However, reseting the cable modem does (for a little while).
I switched back to my original TC now and everything is working flawlessly again including being able to run TM backups to it and no loss of internet access.
Any ideas? I have already exchanged it once. I have reloaded firmware (7.4.1). I have set up everything from scratch. And still it is really flaky.
Thanks in advance.

5 GHz signals are capable of faster speeds, but you always have to give up something to gain something else. In the case of 5 GHz, in order to gain higher speed, you must give up distance and penetration power with 5 GHz.
Bottom line...5 GHz signals are significantly weaker than 2.4 GHz signals. Your Mac is looking for the strongest, best quality signal, so it connects to the stronger 2.4 GHz band at the upstairs location.
For most of us, 5 GHz is pretty much of a line-of-sight deal. If your Mac has a clear look at the Time Capsule, and it is relatively close to the Time Capsule, it will likely connect to 5 GHz.
Otherwise, if the signal must pass through a few walls, or a ceiling (which is much thicker than a wall) the Mac is very likely going to connect at 2.4 GHz.
If you take the Mac downstairs and give it a clear look at the Time Capsule from 10-15 feet or so, does it connect at 5 GHz?

Reinstalling data from Time Capsule, but for only one user

Hello!
I just got a new-used MacBook Pro and need to use Time Capsule to retrieve my old hard drive's data, but I do not want to overwrite the existing data on the laptop's drive, since it is different, including the OS, I believe. I would like to split the disc, as it were, without partitioning it, for multiple users using Time Capsule. Can I safely use Time Capsule to put all the files only into one user account, or do I need to wipe the drive and partition...?

Anna Scott wrote:
Hello!
I just got a new-used MacBook Pro and need to use Time Capsule to retrieve my old hard drive's data, but I do not want to overwrite the existing data on the laptop's drive, since it is different, including the OS, I believe. I would like to split the disc, as it were, without partitioning it, for multiple users using Time Capsule. Can I safely use Time Capsule to put all the files only into one user account, or do I need to wipe the drive and partition...?
You can use the +Migration Assistant+ app to transfer one or more user accounts from the old Mac, without overwriting anything on the new one. Those will be a separate accounts, with the same logins as on the old Mac. Each user account will have it's own preferences, data, etc. See the pink box in #19 of Time Machine - Frequently Asked Questions (or use the link in *User Tips* at the top of this forum), for details.
That won't "merge" two or more user accounts, since each user's data is private. You can do that manually, if you want, by copying data from one user account to another, but it's rather tedious.
You may also need to be careful if there's a big difference in the versions of OSX and/or 3rd-party apps on the two Macs; you may have apps and/or data on one that aren't compatible with the other. In many cases, a newer version of an app will work with the data from an older version, but not vice-versa. You may want to check that out rather carefully first.
If that's a "deal breaker," there may be a (rather clumsy) workaround; partition the internal disk, so you have, say, Leopard on one partition and Snow Leopard on the other. Then boot from whichever you want. In that case, you'd do a full system restore to the new partition, per #14 in the FAQ. That will only work, though, if the Pro will even run the other version -- generally, a Mac won't run a version of OSX that's older than the Mac's hardware.

My Epson 645 printer can't see the SSID from my Time Capsule but computers and iPhones can. Any explanation/fix?

I could understand better if none of my devices could see the AirPort, but everything works fine except my Epson printer and my Canon printer--they simply can't see the SSID when I try to set them up.
I've had them a year, they have been working fine until today. I simply can't explain the printers couldn't se it, but everything else can.

Power cycle the printers themselves is perhaps the most important.
The wifi outage is related.. no doubt about that.
Sometimes Apple names are difficult for non apple (ie stuff made by anybody but apple) to work with.
If you have no luck.. full reset is the order of the day.
Use all names that meet SMB network standards.. that means short,, no spaces.. and stick with pure alphanumeric.
Apple wizard chooses your name.. plus device name.. so you end up with a name like
Fred Blog's Airport Time Capsule
This is hopelessly wrong.. reduce it to FBATC
The wireless name can be even worse..
When things go wrong.. setup names that are different for both bands.. and put the band in the name.
So tc24ghz and tc5ghz work well for me. I often will have a gen number in there as I repair them and need to know which is which so tcgen324ghz is meaningful.. note no full stop.. no punctuation.. no spaces.. you could use other characters like dash or underscore.. but like I said.. stick with simple.
Last bit is channels.. wireless is subject to interference.. one thing that can happen is someone starting up a wifi device near you.. (or a microwave with a leaky door etc). Stick to fixed channels.
The idea is to remove the level of voodoo as much as possible.. ie from 80% to a mere 66%..
All wireless is voodoo but by controlling as much as you can.. you can reduce it slightly.

Restored system from Time Capsule but now lost access to the backup files

Last week, my drive flaked out and I had to restore my system from my Time Capsule. Now everything is back to normal except that I've noticed that upon trying to auto backup my Mac Pro, it says the disk is full. When I use Time Machine to access my old files, it appears I no longer have access to anything I had previous to restoring my system from my Time Capsule. I believe the link to the old backup file is broken and it's trying to create a new full backup file, in addition to keeping the old file.
Is this normal behaviour after a full restore from a Time Capsule or can I still somehow relink my computer to the file from which it was restored, and still have access to my backup files?

kencanuck wrote:
Last week, my drive flaked out and I had to restore my system from my Time Capsule. Now everything is back to normal except that I've noticed that upon trying to auto backup my Mac Pro, it says the disk is full.
Yes; everything you restored is treated as changed and will be backed-up again: http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1338 Time Machine most likely deleted all but the last backup, trying to make room for the new one.
When I use Time Machine to access my old files, it appears I no longer have access to anything I had previous to restoring my system from my Time Capsule.
Exactly how did you restore? Did you restore your entire system, starting with your Snow Leopard Install disc?
If you didn't, it's possible the account you're using is not recognized as the same one on your backups.
Can you see the last backup? If not, see #E2 in [Time Machine - Troubleshooting|http://web.me.com/pondini/Time_Machine/Troubleshooting.html] (or use the link in *User Tips* at the top of the +Time Machine+ forum).
Message was edited by: Pondini

Upgrade time capsule to new dual band - copy backups?

Hi everyone,
I am buying one of the new 1TB dual-band Time Capsules. I have the original Time Capsule right now, which contains my laptop backups. How do I move my backup files from the old Time Capsule to the new? I've searched here and found suggestions to backup the Time Capsule to an external hard drive, then transfer those files onto the new Time Capsule, but that seems cumbersome. Is there a more direct way?
Cheers!

How'd that work out for you? Sorry, I can't help. I'm just found your post while browsing my own Time Capsule questions, and I don't even have a Mac yet (expecting delivery by the 3rd of June). I'm actually wondering should I even get a TC since it only contains the same size drive as my Mac. I do like an elegant solution, and I like the idea of having only one cord (power) attached to the computer. But I'd like a 1.5 or 2.0 terabyte backup system. Anyway, that's not your problem, and your question is a good one. I'm surprised that you had to answer it yourself!
Cheers

Airport unable to find brand new, never-used Time Capsule

I'd appreciate any help with this problem, as Apple doesn't seem to offer support for this product yet. I followed all the instructions to set up my new, 500 GB Time Capsule, but the Airport utility refuses to detect it. I can't see a way around this impasse--there are no buttons to click or anything like that, and the only troubleshooting suggestion that comes up is to make sure that the Time Capsule is plugged in (it is). The thing is obviously useless if my computer (MacBook Pro, purchased less than a year ago, running OS X 10.5.5) won't detect it. Again, very frustrating. Any help welcome.

Matthew,
If you have not yet resolved your issue, here are some tips that have helped others.
*_Time Capsule Has Disappeared From Airport Utility / Amber Light_*
*Reboot ISPs’ Modem & Time Capsule*
If you are using the Time Capsule as your only router then power down your ISPs modem.
Unplug the TC from the wall outlet.
Wait 10-15 seconds.
Next turn your modem back on first. Let it initialize and acquire an IP address (about 30-60 seconds).
Re-plug in the TC again.
After it has restarted (30-60 seconds), does it show up in Airport Utilities?
If not try "Rescan" from the File Menu.
If the above doesn't work, then…
*Cycle Airport Preferences*
Open Network Preferences.
Click “Turn Airport Off”, wait 10 seconds.
Now click “Turn Airport On”. Close Prefs.
Does it now show up in Airport Utilities?.
If not go to the “File” menu and select “Rescan”.
Does it appears now?.
If not, unplug the TC, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in.
Does the TC show up now in Airport Utility?
If the above doesn't work, then…
*Hard Reset*
Take a look at this KB article. It will explain how to reset the TC:
[http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1300]
Make sure you hold in the reset button for at least a good 10 seconds.
Then you should be able to see it. Now follow this KB article to set it up again:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1178
Let us know if any of the above resolved your issue.
Cheers!

I have a new mac book pro and and older MAC desktop. Both are backing up to my time capsule but it is close to full (1TB). If I purchase a new time capsule (2TB) can I bridge them or access both and back up to it still from both computers?

I have a new mac book pro and and older MAC desktop. Both are backing up to my time capsule but it is close to full (1TB). If I purchase a new time capsule (2TB) can I bridge them or access both and back up to it still from both computers? If so how do I do this? Thanks in advance.

If you add another Time Capsule, you can have one or both Macs backup to that new device.
However, please note that it is not possible to have backups "carry over" seamlessly from one Time Capsule to another.
If you add a new Time Capsule, each Mac that is backing up to the new device will make a new complete backup and then backup incrementally after the master backup is completed.

I am a fitst time user of the new airport extreme time capsule 2TB. I have a mac book pro and an imac. I installed the router today and got my computers online wirelessly. BUT I cannot get my previous wireless printers to connect with the router.

I am a first time user of the new airport extreme time capsule 2TB. I use a macbook pro and imac. I installed the router today and got on wirelessly. BUT I cannot get my 2 printers that were previously wireless to find the router signal. The worked fine on my current set up OS Mounitain Lion 10.8.4. Apple tells me it is the printer mfr issue and printer companies tell me it is apple issue. Any help appreciated.

birdmanjay wrote:
... Apple tells me it is the printer mfr issue and printer companies tell me it is apple issue.
Arguably, they're both right.
Changing your router changes everything, so your best course of action is to research the respective printer's documentation and determine how to reset them to factory default condition. Then, add them again using System Preferences > Print & Scan.
For that, I recommend you first "reset the printing system" according to these instructions: Mac OS X: How to reset the printing system. Its instructions for Lion are identical to those for Mountain Lion.
As the article states, it will remove all your existing printers, leaving the Mac's printing system in a similar "factory default" condition ready for you to create a new print queue for each printer, which you should probably do.
Apple's printing support documents contain a great deal of redundancy, but this one may be a good place to start: OS X Mountain Lion: Set up a printer to print wirelessly

Hello, I have two questions on time capsule I can only have it on my external hd files and free up my internal memory to my mac I can use an external hard drive, in my case a lacie rugged as shared memory for my two computers

Hello, I have two questions on time capsule I can only have it on my external hd files and free up my internal memory to my mac I can use an external hard drive, in my case a lacie rugged as shared memory for my two computers

I have a mackbook pro and an iMac if I buy a time capsule 2tb airport, I can use it with time machine and what would be the best way to use it.
There is no particular setup required for TM.. both computers will create their own backup sparsebundle which is like a virtual disk.. Pondini explains the whole thing if you read the reference I gave you.
and how to use time capsule airport whit other external hd to use my old lacie airport with the new time capsule
Up to you.. you can plug the external drive into the TC and enjoy really slow file transfers or you can plug it into your computer and use it as external drive.. which is faster than the TC.. and TM can include it in the backup.
Again everything is explained in the reference.. you are not reading it.

I am trying to setup my new time capsule but it is not working. after entering the airport utility and locating the TC, after I tell the program to continue, the unit just disappear and the setup menu says there is an error. Any idea of what is happening?

I am trying to setup my new time capsule but it is not working. after entering the airport utility and locating the TC, after I tell the program to continue, the unit just disappear from the menu and the setup menu says there is an error. I tried using the wireless connection, and also the cable, but none worked. Any idea of what could be happening?

What are you setting it up as.. join wireless network .. the very worst setup, it will disappear.. reboot the whole network in order modem. router TC.. clients and it will likely reappear.
Tell us what network setup you are using..
If you setup with cable to a computer completely isolated from the network with TC also isolated.. finish the setup of everything you want. .before update.. then plug it into the network. .then restart everything in correct order.. it will work most of the time.

I have a rMBP that needs to be backed up. The Wi-Fi in my house is poor and I do not have an Ex. Hard Drive. I want to get the new Airport Time Capsule, but can you accomplish it's benefits wirelessly?

So...
I have a modem across the house and my room is at the opposite side. I believe that you have to connect the Airport Time Capsule via modem cable in order for you to appreciate the benefits of the boosted up Wi-Fi. However, I want the airport time capsule in my room, without having any extra cables plugged into it AND also benefit from the Wifi boosts, as well as back it up wirelessly.
Is there any way to do this? I was reading up on it and there are search queries bringing up "bridges" and all that stuff, but I haven't found a clear answer on it.
So, to recap:
I want the Airport Time Capsule to not only back up my rMPB and help my wifi signal out, but to do all of this with no additional cables having to be plugged in.
Thanks.

Trust me when I say this coming from 20 years of experience.
Get a powered external drive, format it 1 Partition Option: GUID and OS X Extended Journed as the format in Disk Utility.
Download and install Carbon Copy Cloner, clone internal drive to external drive.
Set a schedule to remind you to do it at least once a week, keep it near your charger.
When you plug your charger in, do plug the clone and power the machine up, set the display to sleep only,
CCC will do the rest.
If you want to boot from it, hold the option/alt and select it Startup Manager.
I've seen many TimeMachine and TimeCapsule nightmares and so far haven't seen a problem from anyone using a bootable clone.
It's simple, it's easy, it's more reliable and more powerful than what Apple does and it only takes plugging in a extra cable.
Make as many clones as you want, keep them time seperated, off site etc. etc.
Cables don't have network issues, clones can be verified in seconds merely by booting from them.
Clones protect your productivity, your up in seconds on a clone despite even the hard drive dying.
Software problem? No sweat, boot of the clone and reverse clone your problems away.
If you want to fuss and muss with half implemented TimeMachine and TimeCapsule network headaches then prepare to suffer.
I don't like to suffer, I bought a Mac not to suffer, but it appears you do with TimeMachine and TimeCapsule.
Most commonly used backup methods

I was able to copy all my files from my Time Capsule, but that is all they are...files. How do I get my new Mac Mini to emulate my other Mac?

I was able to copy all my files from my Time Capsule, but that is all they are...files. How do I get my new Mac Mini to emulate my other Mac?

Doggiemommie,
Copying files is not a good idea.
The "other Mac" was backed up onto Time Capsule using the Time Machine. On your new Mac you should restore the old user - rather than copy files manually.
This usually happens during the initial setup of the new computer or you can do it later using Migration Assistant.
Please note, it is possible to damage backup file on the Time Capsule when you browse it and copy files manually.
Hope this explains.
TZ

New dual-band time capsule but computers only access 2.4ghz channel

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