Select Between Time Capsule & AirPort Express

I have an iMac which sits between my Time Capsule and Airport Express (Extending)
My iMac reverts to the extender and as such - data transfer to the TimeCapsule drive is very slow.
How can I force the Mac either in Windows7 /Mac OS X to use the TimeCapsule as they share the same SSID in extention.
Thanks.

Unfortortunately, there is no way to "force" a device to connect to a given access point.
The iMac will connect to the device that it thinks has the strongest signal.
You have a few options:
Move the iMac closer to the Time Capsule
Move the Time Capsule closer to the iMac
Move the AirPort Express further away from the iMac

Similar Messages

Best configuration to extend wifi with Time Capsule & Airport Express

In my house I have a Fritzbox wifi router on the ground floor as my primary internet access. I have an ethernet cable going to the 3rd floor study where the Fritzbox signal is relatively weak. I purchased a Time Capsule as a backup device, but also wanted to extend the Fritzbox wifi network by plugging the ethernet cable in to the TC. I was not successful in extending the network, so I had to create a new network. When moving from downstairs to upstairs, my iphone keeps the connection to the (now weak) wifi network and I have to manually change to the (stronger) TC wifi network.
Additionally, I used to be able to successfully extend the downstairs wifi using my Airport Express (and also managed to have my speakers plugged into this for wireless usage), but do not want to additionally complicate my set-up.
So, what is the best way to connect the following equipment, ideally with the same network name, to ensure I always use the strongrst signal automatically:
Third floor:          iMac,    Macbook,   Time Capsule, Airport Express
          Ethernet cable from ground floor to 3rd floor
Ground floor:     Fritzbox wifi connected to internet

You must configure the Bridge Mode setting as the very last step before you Update the settings, otherwise the setting will change automatically.
In other words, you can change the setting to Bridge Mode, but if you make any other changes before you click Update, the Bridge Mode setting will not take effect.
Or, if you see any error messages about DHCP conflicts or Double NAT....the AirPort is not in Bridge Mode...even though you might think it is. Check the settings again.
will I still be able to set up an additional 5GHz network in parallel?
Yes

Time Capsule-AirPort Express-WDS not working together

According to everything I've read here, I've configured this properly, but it doesn't seem to be working. If anyone can help me troubleshoot this I would greatly appreciate it.
I have a new Time Capsule acting as my main wireless base station; it has a manually-configured static IP address, is plugged into my Verizon FIOS router, and is set to distribute IP addresses over wireless using DHCP. I have it set to run a 5 GHz network in addition to the regular 2.4 GHz network. I have an older AirPort Express that I want to use to extend the range of the 2.4 GHz network (the Express can only do 802.11b/g, not 802.11n), in part because we have some older devices in the house that I don't want to slow down the 802.11n network, and in part because the 802.11b/g signal doesn't reach all parts of the house very strongly. So I told the Time Capsule to make its network extendable, told the AirPort Express to participate in a WDS network as a WDS relay, and entered the MAC address of the Time Capsule's 2.4GHz network as the WDS main. Result: flashing amber light on the AirPort Express, which no longer shows up in the AirPort Utility; I had to do a hard reset in order to get the Express back (and then it had to be reconfigured again, of course). At the moment I have it just joining my wireless network, and that works -- green light -- but of course doesn't allow the Express to extend the range of the wireless network.
What am I doing wrong here?

Before there was dual band, we always told users that if they used WDS, the entire network would revert to "g", even if the Time Capsule, AirPort Express, etc were capable of "n" performance.
Your findings seem to confirm that this happens with a dual band as well.
I think it's well worth it to get the AirPort Express 802.11n. Then you can reconfigure the Time Capsule back to "Create a wireless network" and check the box to "Allow this network to be extended"
The Express"n" would then be configured to "Extend a wireless network". I use this setup and would highly recommend it. There may be a slight bandwidth loss due to overhead, but the performance is light years ahead of WDS.
If you are using the same network name for both bands on the Time Capsule, then I believe by default the Express will extend the 2.4 GHz "n", "g" and "b" band. This makes sense for most users since 5 GHz signals do not travel well over distance or penetrate obstructions well.
IF...you want to extend the 5 GHz band, the only way that I know how to do this is click Wireless Network Options on the wireless setup page for the Time Capsule and enable the option to assign a different name for the 5 GHz network.
Then you will have to configure the Express to extend this specific 5 GHz network. I never had much luck extending 5 GHz, and I wanted my iPhone to be able to use the network across the house, so I went with the simpler one network name for both bands and extended the 2.4 GHz network.
If you have a "g" device joining the extended network, it may tend to slow the "n" devices down slightly...when the "g" device is active, but it won't drag everything down to "g" levels. When the "g" device is not active, "n" devices will run at "n" speeds.
BTW, the ethernet port on the AirPort Express is active when you configure it to "extend a wireless network". This can come in handy for hooking up DVD players, etc that need an internet connection for firmware updates and extra features.
Follow up....I tried a very quick reconfiguration of my dual band AirPort Extreme (same router that the Time Capsule users) and AirPort Express using the WDS arrangement and everything did indeed drop way down in speed and performance.
Post back if you have questions. Happy to help.
Message was edited by: Bob Timmons

Hi I've recenty purchased a new imac time capsule airport express. I've set up a new network, rather than extended the current one. How do I change my new network to an extended one or create an extended network?

Hi I've recenty purchased a new imac + time capsule + airport express.
I've set up a new network, rather than extended the current one. How do I change my new network to an extended one or create an extended network?
Michael

detailed in terms of what focus?
here is a video guide about using the airport utility
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65Jv6m43eIE

Setup a wired network between Time Capsule, Airport Extreme and Express

I currently have a Time Capsule, Airport Extreme N and an Airport Express N. They are currently connected wirelessly via the "extend network" mode. So I do have wireless connection throughout my home but I notice that it is slow especially compared to gigabit Ethernet. I now like to do the same but then connect the three devices over Ethernet as I have on each floor also Ethernet connections available that are connected via a wired switch.
How can I configure the three devices in such a way that they use the gigabit Ethernet wired connections as their "backbone" and then give wireless access to each floor as if it is one wireless network, and where I can connect other wired gigabit devices via the time capsule and airport extreme Ethernet ports?
I have one Internet connection that comes via Ethernet from my cable modem. This is now connected to my time capsule who creates the internal network and assigns internal IP addresses.
Can anybody advise how to configure each device? And to which ethernet port I should Airport Extreme?
Thanks
Alexander

Welcome to the discussion area, Alexander!
+How can I configure the three devices in such a way that they use the gigabit Ethernet wired connections as their "backbone" and then give wireless access to each floor as if it is one wireless network, and where I can connect other wired gigabit devices via the time capsule and airport extreme Ethernet ports?+
You will be setting up what is known as a "roaming" network using the etherent backbone for your network. This will produce the best possible bandwidth on your network for both ethernet and wireless connections.
_On the Time Capsule_
Open AirPort Utility - Click Manual Setup
Click the Wireless tab below the row of icons
Remove the check mark next to "Allow this network to be extended" (This is only checked if you are extending your network using wireless only and you will be using ethernet to connect your devices, not wireless).
Update to save changes and the Time Capsule configuration is complete.
_On the AirPort Extreme_
Connect an ethernet cable from one of the LAN <-> ports on the Time Capsule to your ethernet switch. Then connect another ethernet connection from the switch to the WAN (circle icon) port on the AirPort Extreme.
Open AirPort Utility - Click Manual Setup
Click the Wireless tab below the row of icons
Wireless Mode = Create a wireless network (Not extend as you might think. Extend is only used if the Time Capsule and AirPort Express are connecting using wireless only)
Wireless Network Name = Exact same name as your AirPort Extreme wireless network
Radio Mode = Same setting as your AirPort Extreme
Channel = Automatic
Wireless Security = Exact same setting as your AirPort Extreme wireless network
Wireless Password = Same password as your AirPort Extreme wireless
Confirm Password
Click the Internet icon
Connect Using = Ethernet
Connection Sharing = Off (Bridge Mode)
Update to save changes and configuration is complete
_On the AirPort Express_
You can connect an ethernet cable from the switch..or..from one of the LAN <-> ports on either the Time Capsule or AirPort Extreme, whichever is easier.
Set it up exactly the same as the AirPort Extreme above and update to save changes.
Power off the Time Capsule, AirPort Extreme and AirPort Express for a few moments. Then power up the Time Capsule first and let it run a moment, then power up the AirPort Extreme and then the AirPort Express.
If you have a laptop running Leopard or Snow Leopard, you can move your computer around and check to see which device it is connecting to for wireless. Hold down the option key while you click on the fan shaped AirPort icon at the top of the screen and look for the BSSID. That is the AirPort ID of the device to which you are connected at the time.
To get the AirPort ID of each of your Apple routers, open AirPort Utility and click on a device on the left. On the right, you'll see the AirPort ID for that device.
For ethernet connections, you can plug into an available port on the switch, the Time Capsule, or the AirPort Extreme.
You should be all set. Please post back on your progress.

Time Capsule + Airport Express N How to extend

Have been trying to extend my wireless network but have been unsussessful. Here is my setup. Cable modem connected to Time Capsule and Express N connected via ethernet cable. I try to do it with the setup but it will eventually revert to picking up the cable modem IP address 169.etc so I think I might need to manually input the addresses. Will some walk me through this including the ip addresses I should use? The Time capsule is NOT in bridge mode and works perfectly with the internet and other expresses used only for music streaming. Thanks

Mitchell, welcome to the discussions!
You may find it easier to use Manual Setup in AirPort Utility for the device.
The key setting would be under the Internet icon. Look at the bottom of the pane for Connection Sharing, this would be set to Off (Bridge Mode). Under the Wireless tab, you would set the Wireless Mode for "extend a wireless network" and make sure there is a check mark next to "allow wireless clients"
On the setup of the Time Capsule in AirPort Utility - Manual Setup - Wireless tab, make sure there is a check mark next to "allow the network to be extended"
If you have a good wireless signal in the area where the Express will be located, you also might want to try extending your network without using the ethernet cable. Normally, a good starting point for positioning the Express is at a point that is approximately half the distance from the Time Capsule and the area that you want to cover with the Express.
You may also need to reset your cable modem by powering it down for 10-15 minutes and then restarting.
Please post back on your progress.

Extending airport wi-fi network (time capsule airport express)

I have a time capsule linked to my BT cable modem and i have created an apple wi-fi network that I use for my Mac mini and a laptop.
However the wi-fi network doesn't reach the other end of the house, and I am thinking about extending the wi-fi network by adding an airport express.
I have looked at the documents online, but I am not sure of a few things.
Do you need to wire the airport express to your time capsule or another cable modem? (that seems to loose the purpose of wi-fi) as per a document on apple airport networks (p41)? is the only solution a Roaming set-up?
Can t you just plug it in a electricity socket the airport express and add it to your wi-fi network via your network software in system preferences?
thanks for the help

Welcome to the discussions, stephanm8!
The AirPort Express(n) can be configured to "extend" the main wireless network created by the Time Capsule. Here's how to do it.
_On the Time Capsule:_
Open AirPort Utility, click Manual Setup
Click the Wireless tab below the row of icons
Wireless Mode would be set to "Create a wireless network"
Make sure there is a check mark next to "Allow this network to be extended"
Update to save settings
_On the Express:_
Open AirPort Utility, click Manual Setup
Click the Wireless tab
Wireless Mode would be set to "Extend a wireless network". If you don't see this choice, hold down the "option or alt" key on your computer when you click on the selection box. When you select this choice, you should see the network created by the Extreme to "extend".
Enter the wireless password if requested
Make sure there is a check mark next to "Allow wireless clients"
Update to save settings
If you have a dual band Time Capsule the main network can be extended. The guest network cannot be extended.
Once you have the Express configured to "Extend", position it at a point that is approximately 2/3 to 3/4 of the distance between the Time Capsule and the area that you want the Express to cover. You may need to adjust the location of the Express from this general starting position depending on signal strength.

Time Capsule - Airport Express - Airport Express Remote Speakers Fail

Like my title mentions, my configuration is:
-Time Capsule on 3rd Floor
-Airport Express on 2nd Floor
-Airport Express on 1st Floor
The distance is not that much between each component and the Airport Express are all green and show up as working on my Airport Utility.
In order to extend my network, I have created a WDS network, Internet works like a charm anywhere in the house.
In the first floor, I hook up my speakers to the Airport Express. In iTunes, the AE shows up and when I select to output sound to the speakers, it briefly plays the music for a second and then it plays no more.
If I take the AE for the 1st floor and plug it in the kitchen wall on the 3rd floor, the music sounds through the speakers without a problem.
What can be causing the AE to fail to play to the music on the 1st floor? Everything is green and working, I am baffled.
Thanks!

Mitchell, welcome to the discussions!
You may find it easier to use Manual Setup in AirPort Utility for the device.
The key setting would be under the Internet icon. Look at the bottom of the pane for Connection Sharing, this would be set to Off (Bridge Mode). Under the Wireless tab, you would set the Wireless Mode for "extend a wireless network" and make sure there is a check mark next to "allow wireless clients"
On the setup of the Time Capsule in AirPort Utility - Manual Setup - Wireless tab, make sure there is a check mark next to "allow the network to be extended"
If you have a good wireless signal in the area where the Express will be located, you also might want to try extending your network without using the ethernet cable. Normally, a good starting point for positioning the Express is at a point that is approximately half the distance from the Time Capsule and the area that you want to cover with the Express.
You may also need to reset your cable modem by powering it down for 10-15 minutes and then restarting.
Please post back on your progress.

How best to use TWO Time Capsules, Airport Express and Apple TV?

Hello
I have the following Apple equipment and am wondering how best to plug it all together. At the moment I am not using some items at all because I do not know how to best use!
1. MacBook Pro (2012 model) 'Mac1'
2. MacBook Pro (2009 model) 'Mac2'
3. MacBook Air (2011 model) 'Mac3'
4. Time Capsule 1TB (model A1355) 'TC1'
5. (another!) Time Capsule 1TB (model A1355) 'TC2'
6. Airport Express (2008 model)
7. Apple TV (2013 model)
8. LaCie 1TB USB Hard Drive
9. Apple iPhone
10. Sonos system
CURRENTLY
TC1 is plugged into the Virgin Media modem to provide a WiFi network called 'Amer's Apple Network' around the house. The Virgin Media wifi has been switched off to reduce interference.
TC2 is not being used. The Airport Express is plugged in upstairs (or sometimes near garden) to extend the 'Amer's Apple Network' and this seems to work fine.
Apple TV is plugged into main TV and is plugged into 'Amer's Apple Network' directly using Ethernet to TC1 but often runs slowly and does not work if Mac1 is not awake (or iTunes is not running on Mac1).
LaCie is plugged directly into TC1 and currently has a old copy of my iTunes library stored on it which my Sonos system access. However, there seems to be a problem in that iTunes randomly uses that LaCie library and/or local Mac library. Often we get a pop up message on Mac1 saying "Library cannot be found" and we have to manually navigate to the LaCie drive (via the TC1 folder) to open iTunes. Also connecting iPhone to Mac1 seems to work very slowly as it appears to be trying to back up to LaCie drive.
QUESTION
What would be the best, most efficient way of using all (or if some is redundant equipement then which), to set up the following:
1. A shared home network which enables all three computers (and any future Macs and/or iPads etc) to access one master shared iTunes library, which is the one that is updated with any new music, films etc added via any of those machines
2. A shared home network that enables a shared files folder but also allows each user to keep their own personal hard drive (eg locally on whichever machine they are using).
3. A fast (as possible) iTunes back up process when connecting iPhone to computer
4. Usage of both TC1 and TC2 (and Airport Express) to extend network around the house (several weak spots exist) and also to maximise storage using the 1TB of each TC1 and TC2.
5. Would it then also be possible to attach the LaCie USB drive for an additional 1TB storage? If so how and would it be very slow? From existing usage it appears to be very slow when used as a regular access drive, so perhaps better as a 'slow' drive that is just occassionaly used for back up and nothing else
Main question is (to the networking experts!), how would you personally set up all above to give best wifi coverage, fastest back ups, access to Sonos for iTune library, access to Apple TV, and shared folders etc etc. I basically seem to have lots of kit (albeit some quite old) and nothing seems to be working together particularly well.
Happy also to ditch any bottlenecks in the above equipment list (eg LaCie USB drive?) and add something which would better bring together the other components?
Any thoughts much appreciated!
Best
Amer

So ... FINALLY ... I found some time to implement this!
Steps taken and results:
1. Moved my entire music library to Mac1. Used the opportunity to also share my other Mac2 onto HomeShare and copy across any music files from Mac2 onto Mac1 that were not already there.
Result: Mac1 now holds my whole music library locally. Works incredibly fast whenever playing a track, adding a new track or updating info on existing track. Good!
2. LaPastenague's instructions for bridging TC1 with TC2 worked a dream. Only thing is they are basically next to each other as I don't have the energy (or cabling expertise) to install (cleanly) long runs of ethernet cable.
Result: Got a clear Wifi signal, not sure if any faster than before but I assume two TCs next to each other both sending out the same network signal can't be any worse than one. Main thing is that I have an extra 1Tb network drive (i.e. TC2) connected to TC1 which I can access from all my Macs now.
3. Copied the entire Mac1 Music library over to TC2 drive into the Data folder. This happened relatively quickly (I think!) ... but would welcome any comments on whether slower than expected, to highlight if I might be able to improve the connection. 12,000 songs in 2 hours, with Mac1 sending the files to TC2 wirelessly. I know I could probably have connected Mac1 to TC2 by ethernet cable to speed up, but I had run out of Ethernet cables by now!
Result: All my music (as of today anyway) now on Mac1 AND on TC2 in normal readable format (i.e. by Sonos and as a simple back-up that can just be carried around and copied anywhere in the event of loss of Mac1 drive
4. Set up TC2 Music Library in Data folder to be the networked music folder for Sonos using "\\TC2\Data" (ps. why doesn't Sonos allow a simple click and select option for choosing drive and instead force us to go back to the 80s and type in drive path which isn't always clear, especially on a Mac!)
Result: Sonos can access all my music (as of today anyway) on TC2 and no need for Mac1 or any other Mac to be open.
BUT: As you may have guessed, the issue with the above set up is that as soon as I buy a new song, it will get added to my Mac1 quickly and smoothly ... but the area where I really use my music (i.e. Sonos via TC2) will have the older music library.
QUESTION: Is there any way in which I can adjust the above set up, so that whenever I add new music to my Mac1 it also copies across to TC2? Don't mind if this is done slowly and later (eg in middle of night) but of course don't want to have to copy across manually each time. Would prefer it to just update newly added tracks regularly.

Time Capsule & Airport Express Extended Network loses connection!

OK, so I am an Apple virgin of 2 months experience, after many many years with Windows based PCs, so please be patient and gentle with me. Sorry about the long explanation.....
My set-up comprises of a Time Capsule, which is connected to the Internet via a NetGear ASDL modem. Both pieces of equipment are situated in my wife's office on the first floor of our house. My office is on the ground floor, where I have a 27" iMac and an Airport Express which is connected to a printer via the USB port. The Airport Express is sited about 10 feet from the iMac.
All software and firmware are lastest versions - TC v7.5, AX v7.4.2 & Airport Utility v5.5.
For the past 2 months, I have only been using the AX to print wirelessly and the set-up has worked faultlessly.
Earlier this week, I decided change the configuration to extend the network to allow me to use my laptop & iPhone in areas of the ground floor where I had no signal. I followed the online instructions and first changed the TC to check the box to 'allow this network to be extended', after updating the configuration successfully I moved to the AX. Here I changed the wireless mode to 'Extend a wireless network', selected the network name and checked the 'Allow wireless clients' box. This also updated successfully.
Everything ran correctly and the range of the network was greatly increased.......great, job done...not!
After about 3 hours the iMac lost the connection and the TC disappeared from the Airport Utility pane and refused to reappear. I checked but also couldn't connect or see any network on the laptop or iPhone, so have dismissed a fault with the iMac. I finally got things back up after doing a power reset of the TC, but after a few hours same problem occurred, and occurred and occurred. By clicking the Airport Utility icon on the top right of the screen and following the prompts from 'no Internet connection', I can at least get things up and working without a power reset of the TC, but the connection still drops after 2-5 hours each time.
My first call to Apple Support led to a full reset and re-config of both the TC and AX, setting the extended network up as I had done originally. The only difference was an iMac reset (alt/cmd P&R on power up) and changing the 2.4Ghz channel from 1 to 11. This had no affect and the connection drop-out problem continued.
My second call to Apple Support led to me being passed to a Level 2 Techie, who first suggested that I tried disabling the Guest Network - tried it, and it made no difference. I was then told to try a WDS network, which whilst not losing connection, is slower and has less range than the original extended network and frankly sounds a cop-out.
Has anyone had a similar problem, anyone solved the problems, can anyone offer any help or advice please.. I'd appreciate any input....thanks.

Similar problem here. Cable Modem (Moto SB6120)->AEBS (802.11n dual-band)>AX (802.11n) for wireless connection to MacBook Pro running Mac OS X 10.6.2. AEBS configured as dual-band: 801.11a/n at 5GHZ and 801.11b/g/n at 2.4 GHZ. AX configured to wirelessly extend the AEBS 5GHz 802.11a/n network. I am able to run on the extended 5GHz network (via AX) for varying lengths of time, until the internet connection dies. When this occurs, I am able to switch over to the 2.4GHz network to get back online. Solution up until now has been to unplug the AX, then plug it back in. After the AX restarts, I am able to hop back onto its 5GHz signal and get to the internet. However, the internet connection on this band will drop again after some time.
I was on the phone with Apple Support twice in the past week to get this resolved, but no joy. Senior Advisor seemed to think that my AX was working properly, and that that the problem could be with my AEBS -- perhaps the 5GHz antenna might be bad in my AEBS? Seems odd to me, since both my AEBS and AX are less than 2 months old...
I just read the post from LocoDoc and decided to see if I could replicate the problem. Sure enough, when I am connected to the internet via my AX extended 5GHz network signal and a Time Machine backup starts, the internet connection quits. Only recourse is to restart the AX. Note that I do not experience this problem with Time Machine while connected wirelessly straight to the AEBS 5GHz signal. Only when I am connected to the "extended" signal via the AX.

A Time Capsule, Airport Express and AT&T 2Wire walk into a bar...

Alas, I'm sure this question has been asked before, but my reserach keeps turning up separate answers. So I thought I'd turn to this forum for some advice. Ultimately I'm seeks suggestions on various ways to configure my network to allow easy backups, connection two rooms, and wirelessly print from anywhere.
I have a:
Time Capsule (dual band) - used for Time Machine backups
Airport Express (older)
and new 2Wire 3800HGV-B wireless modem/router from AT&T (for U-verse internet/TV)
My room configuration is:
Living room with TV, internet connected DVD player, and new AT&T 2Wire Wireless U-verse modem
Home office with 2 desktop comptuers (no wireless cards) and a USB printer.
Two roaming laptops which move around the rest of the house
The livingroom and the office can't be connected with a physical wire.
What I was hoping to do was setup my office with the Time Capsule in the office as a wired hub, and then use it as a wirelessly bridge to the 2Wire network. But as I understand it, a Time Capsule can't be used as a bridge to a non-Apple product. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Alternately I could always get wireless cards for the desktop computers, but this leaves the printer.
I've read suggesitons of people who have used their TC as the primary router, disabling wireless on their AT&T 2Wire, and hooking the two together with ethernet. Others who just join the TC to the 2Wireness network. But really what I'm seeking is a way to join the two rooms.
Any thoughts? Am I asking the right questions or providing the right information?
Much thanks,
dana.

So I figured I'd go with an initial suggestion and attached my TC via ethernet to the 2Wire modem/router in my living room, and make the TC my primary wireless router.
Good plan
since both will be in the same room, I assume I need to disable wireless on the 2Wire
Correct
What kind of configuration do I need to do on the TC, or do I just following the wizard and select 'Extend existing network'?
You can follow the guided setup or I can give you a step by step manual setup. In either case, you will configure the TC to "Create a wireless network".
("Extend" is only used if the TC connects using wireless only....you will be using Ethernet from one of the LAN <-> ports on the 2-Wire to the WAN port (world icon) on the TC.
The guided setup will normally sense that the TC is connected to another router and suggest that the TC be configured in Bridge Mode, which is the correct setting. Otherwise, select the Bridge Mode option when it is presented.
Note....If you have a newer dual band TC, the Guest Network option cannot be enabled when the TC is configured in Bridge Mode. So, if you want a "Guest" network, maybe the 2-Wire could provide that service.
Should I attach this (via ethernet) to the TC or the 2Wire?
Pick a LAN <-> port on either one, your choice, whichever is easier
What should the AT&T DVR be connected to?
I'm not familiar with an AT&T DVR, but if it connects via Ethernet, you can connect to a LAN <-> port on either the 2-Wire or the TC
For printing, my plan is to attach the printer through USB to the Airport Express and then connect that wirelessly to the TC network (though my first attempt at this failed to connect).
Suggest that you get the TC up and working smoothly. Then tackle the Express.

Time Capsule & Airport Express (AX keeps disconnecting)

Hello! I added an Airport Express (AX) to the mix in July of this year so that my blu-ray player could access the internet. Everything works fine most of the time but the AX will periodically not have a connection and be blinking Amber until I reboot it (at least twice I've literally had to connect my MacBook to the thing and completely reset it because a reboot did not work). Here's my setup:
The Time Capsule is connected directly to my cable modem. The TC was purchased April 2008. I use the WPA/WPA2 (TKIP) encryption level, have a closed network, and have set it up to be the Main for a WDS network. The AX is the Remote in the WDS network. The only thing I changed when I got the AX was configuring everything for a WDS network.
We have four computers (Mac Pro & iMac and two MacBooks) and two iPhones, all of which connect to the TC without issue (via ethernet and/or wireless). Both the TC and the AX are running the latest firmware and all four computers are running the latest versions of Snow Leopard.
After having to reset the AX several times, I've wondered if it has anything to do with the WPA group key timeout. Neither of the device's logs give me a clue as to why it won't stay connected but I've incremented the WPA group key timeout setting to 30 days (I've toggled it up and down over the last couple of months for testing purposes) and now the AX works fine for about 30 days or so and then I have to reboot it. I've also tried changing the channel.
Since it works fine during the interim, I don't believe there's an interference problem (there are no concrete walls or appliances between them).
Any ideas? Thank you!

Thanks for the reply!
I actually did set it all up with the "Wireless Mode" setting as "Participate in a WDS network" instead of extending it. I don't recall now why I went that route. Perhaps I had trouble getting the "extend a network" feature working (I remember it was a bear getting the two working together).
I checked and, yes, the AX is "n" capable. I also noticed the radio mode on both devices show only "802.11b/g compatible" as an option. Is this because of WDS?
Would you have quick instructions on how to just extend the network and still keep my security settings intact? The other issue I have yet to tackle is that bandwidth tests over the TC wireless show way slower download speeds than upload but ethernet is very fast (and we see the result in games like World of Warcraft). I don't remember this being the case before but I can't remember the last time I tested it. I know that speed will be impacted with higher encryption and the use of firewalls, etc., but it shouldn't be as slow as it is.
Thanks, again, for all your help!

Optimizing Time Capsule + Airport Express configuration for best reception?

Hi --
I've been trying to set up a 1st generation Time Capsule with an Airport Express to extend the range of our wifi network in our new house (see http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2722259 for background).
As I understand it, the primary drivers for connectivity are:
1. Technical specs of the wifi hardware.
2. Physical positioning of the devices (base station or AE).
3. Configuration of the network (e.g. channels)
We don't have many options of where to place the base station, so I've been working with placement of the AE, which doesn't do much good. The issue seems to be the raw distance between the two devices, and possibly interference from other household items (e.g. wireless baby monitor, etc).
Is the a straighforward way to cycle through any of the configuration options to see whether that will make an impact? For example, I started cycling through the channel settings by hand, but that is very time-consuming as I have to wait for both the TC and AE to update, plus run back and forth between the base station and the laptop sitting at the other end of the house to trigger a speedtest.net run. Are there any tools or utilities that would help me with either the positioning or optimal configuration settings?
Thanks,
Ramon

The general rules of thumb for "extending" is that the AirPort Express should be positioned about 1/2 the distance from the Time Capsule to the area that needs more wireless coverage. This assumes there are no major obstructions in the signal path.
A typical sheetrock and 2x4 wall will absorb about 15-20% of the signal, on average. A ceiling will absorb proportionately more since it will be thicker.
Frankly, it's more art than a science to get an extended network working well. A quick test would be to power down the Express and take your laptop to the proposed area where the Express will be located and see if you can get a good, solid internet connection at that point. If you can, the Express may work at that position.
Users tend to place the Express much too far away from the main wireless router when they try to setup an extended configuration. When this occurs, the Express has very little to work with because.....this is very important to remember.....
+The Express can only extend the quality of signal that it receives.+ It does not "boost" the signal, it takes the signal that it receives and makes it go further.
If you want to download a utility like iStumbler, this can be useful to figure out a good location for the Express by "looking at the numbers"
But, there are never any guarantees with wireless. I wish that it were different, but unfortunately, no one can predict wireless performance in advance for any given situation. Post back if you want a few more pointers, or if you want to take a look at the Inspector feature in iStumbler.
Message was edited by: Bob Timmons

Time capsule, Airport Express, iPhones

Hello,
I've tried another forum but could get an answer so I'm not sure if this is a Time Capsule problem but here it goes. I have a TC 1TB (Dual Band) as my base station that appears to be working fine and I have one new airport express that is extending the network.
I have a Macbook Pro that can connect anywhere no problem and can stream music over the AX.
However I have a couple of iPhones (3GS and 4) and having previously worked fine they suddenly can't connect to the network when they are only in range of the AX but can still connect when in range of the TC. All the firmware is up to date. I have reset the network but they still can't see the express. I have tried a bunch of different radio modes but to no lasting success. Sometimes an iPhone will connect but it seemingly kicks off the MBP!
Why is this happening and how can I sort it out?
Current Settings:
Wireless Mode: Create a Wireless Network
Allowing network to be extended
Radio Mode: 802.11a/n - 802.11b/g
Radio Channel Selection: Automatic
Wireless Security: WPA2 Personal
Country: UK
Multicast Rate: Low
Transmit Power: 100%
Using Wide Channels
Cheers,

It was connected at 2.4ghz.
The problem has randomly turned out to be a wireless TV transmitter. It must have been operating on a similar frequency to the iPhone's WiFi and therefore screwing up the signal in that part of the house (where the express is!).
Frustrating stuff but at least it is solved now.
Thanks very much for your help.

Fios Time Capsule Airport Express 101 Help Needed

I am trying to configure my network for the thirty-billionth time. I will start with my set-up, my goals and then my assumptions. If anyone has any thoughts, I am deeply appreciative.
Set-up
MI424WR-GEN2 router (802.11B/G/N; firmware: 20.10.7.5; henceforth "FR")
Time Capsule (First Generation 802.11N)
Two Airport Express (802.11N)
One Airport Express (802.11G)
All Airport Expresses are running 7.5.2
Right now here's how I have my network configured:
The TC and AEs are in bridge mode. The TC is connected to the FR by ethernet. Physically, the TC and FR are right next to each other. I have two wireless networks set up. One created by the FR which I have the radio set in "Compatibility Mode" , i.e., accepting 802.11B/G/N. The second wireless network generated by the TC, is set to 802.11N Only (5Gz).
Optimally, I'd like to have one wireless network, instead of two. I'm willing to ratchet down the 802.11N only to a more compatible setting to get down to one network.
Assumptions:
I cannot use my FR in bridging mode -- meaning it simply sends traffic to my TC which handles IP addressing, NAT, etc.
I cannot use my TC or AEs to extend my FR wireless network. And by "extend" I mean, use the boxes as signal boosters back to the FR. Physically, I have the ability, for instance, to move the TC from it current location to the master bedroom and connect it back to the FR via ethernet. In this case, I would like to be able to use the ethernet ports on the TC for some devices as well as use the wireless (single network preferablly) to boost the signal for some box-to-box applications I'm running as well as bandwidth intensive applications like Apple TV.
It is my understanding that it is impossible to extend a network with a TC or AE unless it is Airport network. It is possible to join a non-Airport network but I'm not sure what that buys you.
I am also under the assumption that the dual network configuration is impeding my ability to remotely connect to my iMac if it is running on the TC network which feeds back to the FR network.
I have read blogs that argue for simply shutting down the Fios radio and set the Fios router to bridge mode in essence and use the TC for all wireless. I have read blogs that suggest a plethora of different approaches.
I'm eager to figure this out and and promise to be responsive to questions and suggestions!
Thanks in advance,
JB

you're suggesting using both radios so both the FR and TC are broadcasting. if both devices are physically next to each other, is there any benefit in terms of range?
I must have misunderstood your earlier explantion about your desire to "extend" and thought that you were going to try to configure the TC to provide more wireless coverage for the FR network by locating the TC some distance from the FR router and connecting to it using a long Ethernet cable.
If you plan to leave the TC sitting next to the FR router, then there is obviously no benefit, range wise, and a probable wireless interference issue if both routers are broadcasting the same signals in close proximity.
The exception here would be if you plan to configure the TC as a 5 GHz band only while the FR provides that 2.4 GHz band. That type of setup is OK since both routers are broadcasting on different bands.
I remember reading somewhere that ActionTec doesn't play well with AE in WPA so I'll stick to WEP.
If you want to configure the TC to provide a 5 GHz band, you cannot use WEP security.....only WPA2 Personal or WPA/WPA2 Personal....will work with 5 GHz.
That means that the FR router must also be configured to use the same security settings. If it's not, then you will have two separate wireless networks with the same name and password, but different secuirty. That is bound to cause connection issues.
If you cannot match up the FR security to the TC, then it would be better to assign a different name to the 5 GHz network to keep things straight.
The other issue that you may face is if the TC is configured to provide 5 GHz, then that is what the AX"n" devices will try to extend. It's not easy to extend 5 GHz since the signals are quite a bit weaker than 2.4 GHz signals. You almost have to thave a line of sight relationship between the TC and AX devices for 5 GHz to be extended.
If you don't really need a dual band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network, then things would be a whole lot simpler if you turn off the wireless function on the FR router and setup the TC to provide a compatible "n/g/b" network, which the AX"n" devices will be able to extend.

Select Between Time Capsule & AirPort Express

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