Previous Time Capsule Limits

Question

I have the previous version of the Time Capsule (1TB) and I have it connected to 3 apple TVs and 4 Airport Express for coverage extension.  Because we have a large family, there are 6-7 personal devices (iPad, iPod, etc.) connected.
One of the aTVs can't connect to the internet unless I reboot the TC.  Is there a limit to the number of devices the previous model can cope with.
Alternatively, is there a diagnostic I can run on the TC to check it is all working OK?
Thanks,

Answer 1

Ok.. first thing is to definitely take the TC back to 7.6.1 or even 7.5.2 firmware. The new firmware definitely struggles with this setup.. you can see the horror stories in the posts around here. It gives range and throughput issues.. although since it only just came out, I am guessing the issue existed prior to that.. or is this new problem??
When you have a reasonably large network, do as much as you can over ethernet.
For example, if you have ethernet running to the AE near the ATV, are you using ethernet on the ATV?
You are going to hate me.. (that is ok.. lots do!!)
But to fix this up you are going to need to start over. And you are going to need to take full control of the wireless network. That means all the auto settings in the TC and the express used as AP have to be manually set by you.
You are "der führer" of the network. (toothbrush moustache optional).
You also need to use a better utility than v6.. if you really want to see what is going on.. (v6 is a toy.. it has no ability to access the logging on any apple router.. why apple why??) Do you have a computer running Lion or earlier OS? If so just use 5.6 utility.
What cable modem do you have? Is the wireless still active on that? If so you have far too much wireless going on. Kill the wireless in the cable router.
Take the TC and all the express units back to 7.6.1 firmware (the TC itself maybe back to 7.5.2 as you can upgrade again later if necessary). You will need to do it one by one with the device plugged into the computer I think.. that is the only reliable and safe way at least.
What version express are they?? The new type A1392 or the older A1264?
Once you have done that.. set up the TC.
Use all SMB names.. that is, short, no spaces pure alphanumeric.
eg TC name. .TCGen3
Wireless name TC24ghz for 2.4ghz.. and use TC5ghz for 5ghz wireless.. set name under wireless network options.
Use WPA2 Personal security only.. a passkey of 12 or so characters is generally plenty. pure alphanumeric mix of upper and lower case plus numbers.
Finally radio channels.. Please set these yourself. There are only 3 non-overlapping channels at 2.4ghz, 1, 6, 11 (13 in Aus). We will set each AP to one of these channels.. but 5ghz will also have to be set.. use the lower range, 36, 38, 40.. any of them is probably ok.. range is not that good anyway.
Once you have that setup and marked to allow the network to be extended, you can then setup the express to connect either by wireless to extend wireless.. remember this has a big impact on speed and should be avoided as far as possible.
With those ones that are working as AP plugged in by ethernet. Use identical name.. identical security and password.. but different channel. So use say 6 for the TC, channel 1 for AE1 and channel 11 or 13 for AE2.. the extend will be also on 6 so that won't matter.. if the AE are new dual band type.. also set the 5ghz name and security to match the TC but with different channels.
Do you hate me yet??
You can email me direct and I will try and help you if you have some questions.
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