Optimal Setup for New Time Capsule with Wireless AC

I'm curious to see what the hypotehtical optimal setup for my Time Capsule.  I understand that wireless speeds depend on a ton of factors and that part of getting the best connection is just trying different options.  I have a new Time Capsule that's connected to the following devices: iPhone 5S; new MacBook Air with wireless AC; old iMac from 2007; old AirPort Express that only supports b/g and a newish Apple TV that supports wireless N, I believe.  I was connecting to the network (which was not designated with the 5ghz) and I recently chose the option to label the 5ghz.  I'm using that now to stream music with the new iPhone and the Apple TV with no problems, but I have no longer have the option of using the old Airport express because it's an old one.  I'm thinking of just getting a new Airport Express and leaving it at that, but wanted to know if anyone has some thoughts on this.  I'm sure there's a more concise and direct way to ask this question, but my knowledge is pretty limited here.  Thanks in advance.

The Time Capsule is already set up for optimal performance when you open up the box.
You can assign a separate name to the 5 GHz network and point devices that are capable to that network. This works well if the device is located close to the Time Capsule.
But, 5 GHz signals are much weaker than 2.4 GHz signals, so once you move a room or two away, or the signal has to pass through several walls, the 2.4 GHz will be stronger.....and probably faster as well.
But...your device will try to stay locked on the 5 GHz network since you set it up that way.
This type of setup may or may not work best for you.  For most users, it is simpler and more effective to use the default settings on the Time Capsule to have both bands use the same network name.
Then, your wireless devices will automatically connect to the signal with the best quality. Best quality may not be the fastest signal since there are lot of factors involved with signal quality. But, if you think about it a bit more, don't you want to have your wireless device connect to the signal with the best quality?
Some users swear by assigning a separate name to the 5 GHz band. I'm not one of them, but If it works well for them and they are happy, then there is no reason to change.
An older AirPort on your network is going to drag down the speeds. You need the new AirPort Express, or better yet an AirPort Extreme if you want to be able to extend the new 802.11ac signal.

Similar Messages

  • 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.

  • How does one sync the new time capsule with the old airport extreme and airport express in order to extend range?

    How does one sync the new time capsule with the old airport extreme and airport express in order to extend range?

    Thanks for the additional information.
    Unfortunately, the AirPort Utility application in the Lion and Mountain Lion operating systems, which is used to configure the new Time Capsule does not support the older versions of the products that you have.
    Even if it did, there are no settings on the older AirPorts to "Extend a wireless network", so they are not compatible with the new Time Capsule if you intend to extend the network only using wireless connections.
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    If you have another Mac there that is using the Leopard or Snow Leoapard operating system, things would likely be simpler. I have not done this type of procedure to mix a new Time Capsule with older AirPorts, so I would not be able to say whether this would work or not.

  • I am trying to back up on my new time capsule with my mac book pro.  It's been 25 hours and only done 5.8gb of 129gb. any advice.  Thanks

    I am trying to back up on my new time capsule with my mac book pro.  It's been 25 hours and only done 5.8gb of 129gb. any advice.  Thanks

    You can backup 2 computers as long as the TC has enough space.
    Your access might be restricted if you set it up with users.. you must log in with the correct user to get access to the files.
    Otherwise you should be able to see both sparsebundles just with finder.
    Look at Pondini's excellent FAQ
    this one in particular may help
    http://pondini.org/TM/17.html

  • HT1178 How setup and configure time capsule with ADSL modem for WiFi internet

    For my first time time capsule 2TB set up,would like to know about configuration time capsule with ADSL modem for use WiFi internet!

    You will want to turn off the WiFi on your modem (if there is WiFi on your modem). Connect the TC and the modem together with an Ethernet cable. Then, turn on your TC and set it up to be in bridged mode, connection type 'Ethernet'.

  • I am unable to set up my new Time Capsule with my BT Home Hub - every time i connect the ethernet cable from Wan port to Home Hub, the internet signal drops

    Hi there -
    I've just purchased a new Time Capsule, and would like to set up a small home network with my Laptop, iMac and wireless printer. I'm following the first steps, but as soon as I connect an ethernet cable between the WAN port of the TC and the ethernet port of the HH, my BT internet connection drops out and I have to restart the HH. Upon which point it drops out again. The airport utility can see my TC, and gets as far as me typing in the new network name and setting up a password, but then it can't quite get through to the next stage. All the time it's just flashing amber.
    Please help!

    Setup the TC in bridge mode before you cannot it to the HH.
    Simply do the setup fully in isolation. And do it by ethernet.
    Setup wireless to create a wireless network.
    You can use either same SSID =Wireless name as the HH .. same security same password.
    Or use a different name and setup.. totally up to you.
    Update the TC and then plug it into the HH by ethernet.

  • How do I setup my time capsule with wireless internet?

    I I have "Clear" so theres no place on the device to plug up an ethernet cord.. PLEASE HELP!!!! Would like to use the time capsule mainly as an external hard drive. PLEASE HELP!!!

    For factory reset.. what model do you have??
    The Factory Reset Gen1-4.
    Unplug your TC. Hold in reset. and power the TC back on.. without releasing reset for about 10sec. When the status light flashes rapidly; release it.
    Be Gentle! Feel the switch click on. It has a positive feel..  add no more pressure after that.
    TC will reboot after a couple of minutes with default factory settings and will wipe out previous configurations.
    No files are deleted on the hard disk.. No reset of the TC deletes files.. to do that you use erase from the airport utility.
    Factory reset Gen 5
    Hold in reset for about 5sec until the status light flashes quickly.
    If your AirPort Time Capsule still doesn’t respond, do a similar reset to the Gen1-4.
    Unplug your AirPort Time Capsule .. hold in reset and power the TC back on.. without releasing the reset.. wait until status led flashes rapidly.
    To join a wireless network and assuming you are using a Mac with v6 utility..
    1. Full reset of the TC. as above.
    2. Open the airport utility.. the Mac must have internet connection to the wireless router which is working.
    Click on other wi-fi devices which is your reset TC.
    3. The utility will choose the wrong item. You are not creating a network.. so click options.
    4. Click add to existing network.
    5. Make sure you then get the right network.. this is from my main router.
    6. The utility will then use join. Fix the name to short, no spaces and pure alphanumeric .. for better networking.
    7. The utility should complete the setup.. and you will probably need to fix a few things.. passwords or other errors fix them all up.
    8. You can now click edit and go the wireless tab and see the details.
    This will give you extremely slow speeds.. it is highly NOT recommended.

  • Share files on Time Capsule with wireless Blu Ray player?

    We're looking at getting a Blu Ray player with built in wireless to take advantage of Amazon Prime streaming and Hulu Plus. Star Trek; TNG remastered on Bl Ray also promped me in this decision!
    We already have an AppleTV and tried jailbreaking to get access to Hulu and Amazon, but the hack caused numerous issues, so back to stock it went.
    I have also started ripping all of my DVDs and importing them into iTunes, but with a baby in the house it's REALLY an issue to always have a laptop open and running whenever we want to watch one of our movies. I've looked at a number of Blu Ray players that include DLNA capabilities, plus file sharing via SMBA and UPNP. My question is, will the Time Capsule serve up those files to the player? I tried DLNA shares directly through our Samsung HDTV before and it just did not work.
    Does anyone have experience with a make/model of Blu Ray player playing nicely with a Time Capsule and/or an additional storage device attached to a Time Capsule?
    I have also read that I absolutely, positively do NOT want to go wireless, but to use Ethernet instead. Our TV is clear on the other side of the house from the modem/Time Capsule so I'd have to pull at least 100 feet of cable to make that happen. I don't think there's any conduit into the attic at the front of the house either, since the cable box comes in in from the exterior wall, so it could be a real job. Any thoughts on that?

    There are no media players in the TC whatsoever.. it is completely dumb box.. and is unsuitable as a media centre.. it is not even a file store, as it has no way to back itself up.. it is a backup target for Time Machine.
    If you want DLNA you need to run a computer of some sort and use a player that can read the files and play them directly.. ie no streaming.
    On the wireless to other side of the house, I do think you will have issues. Ethernet is still far superior solution and if you own the house consider it an investment in future usage.
    But for now Ethernet Over Power adapters can offer superior performance to wireless and far better reliability. They are not without issues, so buy from store that offers no questions asked return.. and don't bother too much with super fast ones.. the 200mbit/s are already well above what is reality. You cannot use them on power boards generally so you also might need to think of ways around that.
    If you do get stuck with wireless the TC is slow.. 2.4ghz is only 130mbps.. and range is not great. I would recommend a different device like ubiquiti router that offers high power and long range.

  • New time capsule with Westell 7500 gateway

    I am trying to connect the newest time capsule to a westell 7500 Gateway via ethernet and extend my network throughout my house. I am having no luck at all with getting the time capsule set up. Any ideas would be sooo greatly appreciated.

    You cannot extend wireless from a non-apple router. Is the Westell 7500 wireless??
    You must use ethernet.. plug the TC into the router and put it in bridge mode.. that is router bridge.. not wireless bridge. You can use EOP adapters in some cases..
    There is a way to join the TC by wireless.. but when you do that.. the TC becomes a dumb client.. no wireless extend and no ethernet. It will behave as another computer on the network.

  • Anyone setup a new Time Capsule or AEBS yet?

    I'm curious if anyone has set up one of the new TC or AEBS up yet? I hope someone can do a comparison of the new/old versions.

    Apple cover the TC via your computers Applecare.. if you have any.. it will also cover the TC.
    At less than 2years old ring and ask.. as Apple is forced to extend warranty in many places.
    Or you can buy an Apple TV, in many places with apple care happens to cover the TC as well. This is well worthwhile.. you can sell off the ATV without even opening it.. and just use the applecare to get the TC replaced.. but watch all the rules and caveats..
    This particular kind of failure seems to afflict the Gen4 TC.. I do not know what is wrong because I have never been able to make it happen on my bench.. the one Gen4 TC I got with the problem.. came back to life after I pulled it apart, measured all the voltages and put it back together.. and hasn't skipped a beat since. If you are a DIYer.. and cannot use any of the warranty methods talk to me.. as I can point out what to measure.. and heck .. who knows .. it might just need a full strip down, grease and oil change and good as new.

  • Setting up brand new Time Capsule and it asks for a Password????

    Okay, so I'm attempting to setup my girlfriend's new Time Capsule with her brand new MacBook Pro but when I access Airport Utility and it tells me there's a problem with the Time Capsule accessing the internet, I then click to continue to troubleshoot the Time Capsule and it asks for a password. Now, the Time Capsule has never been used before and is fresh out of the box. WHy is there a password? I will say this detail:
    That the brand new MacBook Pro that she recently purchased, she had all over her old data and files and settings transferred from her old MacBook. I don't know if that means that it automatically installed a password or anything, but I tried using the computer administrator password and that didn't work. ANyone have any idea what's going on?

    jkwells84, Welcome to the discussion area!
    Sometimes it does help to read some documentation. Like most routers, the Time Capsule has an admin password to keep others from being mischievous and changing your settings.
    The default admin password is "public."

  • Time Machine backup to Time Capsule clobbers wireless network

    Dear All,
    When TimeMachine starts a backup to my new Time Capsule, the wireless network gets clobbered. Other computers on the network's throughput to external sites goes to basically zero (slow ping times, dropped packets- basically unusable.) Is this the expected behavior?
    The configuration I have for my home network is
    cable modem -> time capsule serving wireless network -> "g" network with 2-3 laptops (macbook pro and dell windows laptops.) The dells can't do anything when Time Machine runs, and since it runs hourly it is a bit irritating. I'm considering getting another Mac and then the downtime of my network would increase even more....
    Any help would be appreciated.
    Cheers
    Peter

    My old G5 has 802.11b, and back ups to TC are SLOW. But then the "wire speed" of g is 11M bits/s or ~1 MB/s, but in the real world if you got 100KB/s that's probably good. 100KB/s is only 6 MB/min or .36 GB/hr.
    So 2GB/.36GB which is 5.6 hrs.
    Or to put it another way that's about 3 GB/hr at very best.
    And that's ignoring stuff like compression!
    in short: not usable with 802.11g
    ===
    On my Mac Pro with 802.11n (54 Mbs) I get about 8x that because "n" is about 5x faster wire speed and seems to have better "software".
    e.g. I get about about 25 GB/hr on my ".11n" system
    Still way slow but at least useable.
    ===
    Moral of the story don't bother which TC if you don't have "n"

  • The new Time Capsule is amazing

    I just got my new Time Capsule with 2TB storage. It replaced the previous generation Time Capsule, again with 2TB of storage.
    In my network I have a Retina Macbook Pro (early 2013 model) and a 11" Macbook Air (mid 2013). My internet connection is 150Mbit/sec download and 5Mbit/Upload.
    With the previous Time Capsule my rMBP would achieve a maximum of 15MB/sec download and my MBA 16,5/sec.
    Now, with the new Time Capsule, my rMBP achieved a whopping 17MB/sec!!! I still haven't tested the MBA, but I am confident it can achieve up to 18MB/sec (my maximum download speed).
    I can only say that I am amazed how good the new Time Capsule is. Kudos to Apple!

    The Gen1 hard disk was a noisy beast although you would have to be up close to hear it still. Modern slow green drives are much better and run cooler.
    The new TC runs the standard WD green drive.
    See the review here which has a tear down included.
    http://www.anandtech.com/show/4577/airport-extreme-5th-gen-and-time-capsule-4th- gen-review-faster-wifi-/4
    The problem in Gen1 was a philosophy and a take over by the Interior Decorators at Apple rather than the Engineers. The excellent fan control built into the unit was dismissed as Overheated Engineer Imagination.. OEI for short. The fact that they stuffed a hard disk and power supply into a box slightly bigger than the Extreme.. had nothing to do with subsequent problems.. gollum.. gollum.. according to the Interior Decorator department. Engineers did actually calculate the reactor melt down temperature and turned on the fan to prevent said event.. they turned it on at 100% speed and 100% noise. Because it was seconds away from disaster..
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    During normal duties though and in normal weather.. you will hardly ever hear it.

  • Can you compare the performance of the old and new Time Capsules

    HI,
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    The "new" Time Capsule has wireless "ac" capability, 3-5 times faster than normal wireless, but your Mac will also have to have "ac" capability to really take advantage of the faster speeds.
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  • Set up 2 tb new time capsule for wifi with apple tv. etc. and wireless backup without any internet....

    My title says it all, I have the 2 tb time capsule with no internet at this time. Goal is to create a wifi to be able to use my MAC (OS 10.86) with my wireless printer, apple tv, and to back up data and use time machine all wirelessly. Please take me through the steps needed to make this happen.....

    How do you get internet??
    I understand that the TC is not going to be part of that but it still matters how you get internet.
    The setup is basically very simple.. The TC still needs to be in router mode.. ie on the network tab it should say dhcp and nat. You will get several errors .. ignore them.. that is because there is no WAN connection.
    That is all that is needed.. You can then connect everything via wireless and it will create a network where each device has connectivity to the others.. just no internet.

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