Setting up TC on an existing wireless network

Hi,
I have searched for an answer without any luck.
In my house my only access to the internett-network is wireless(landlord hogging the router). I have no option to connect my TC via ethernet to the router. I was told in the shop that I could set up the TC to acess the existing wireless network via AirPort-utilities. Keep my wifi internet going and add TC so i can back upp my iMac and MBP on the same network.
When I get to the step where I get to choose an existing network and then click restart, the TC just dont get recognized again by APU.
So, is it possible at all to configure my TC to connect wireless to my wifi?
T

There I had listed my wifi and choosed it. Only to find the TC not restarts properly again...?
Chances are, you did not provide the TC with the correct security settings to "join" your network.
Do you know the exact type of wireless security setting that your existing wireless network is using?
It might look something like one of the following examples.....
WPA-PSK-TKIP
WPA2-PSK-AES
WPA2 Personal
WPA/WPA2 Personal
If the settings on the TC are not matched up exactly with the settings on your wireless network, the TC will never join the network correctly.
Post back if you need more info about this type of configuration.

Similar Messages

Setting up Time Capsule for backup only on existing wireless network

I have a wireless network already set up with a NetGear wireless router. Cable plugs into router, router connected via ethernet cable to my Power Mac G5 desktop, plus 2 PC laptops in the house also connect wirelessly to the home network via this router.
I want to set up Time Capsule as an external hard drive to back up all three computers -- I don't necessarily need to use it as a wireless router although i'm not opposed to that if it's easier to do it that way.
When i try to set it up using AirPort utility, i get the amber flashing light. Airport utility is able to discover the device, and then always asks if it's OK to switch networks. I've tried both "switch" and "don't switch"; either way when i try to set it up, AirPort utility stalls out on "Reading Time Capsule Configuration"; eventually giving me the error msg: "Base Station Error: AirPort Utility was unable to find your Apple wireless device."
All i want to do is mount it as an external hard drive so i can use Time Machine for backup, and be able to use it to also back up the PC laptops wirelessly. I need help in the following three areas:
1. How should I be physically connecting my devices if i want to do this? Which cables go in which ports? There is only one ethernet port on the back of my G5. The G5 can connect to the router either wirelessly OR via ethernet cable. I've tried G5-->Time Capsule-->Router, G5-->Router-->Time Capsule, Router-->G5 PLUS Router-->Time Capsule, and I've tried every variation on the regular ethernet and WAN ports. What's the right way to do this.
2. If i'm not setting up the TC as a Wireless Router, is AirPort utility even the right tool for setting it up? it seems to be confused by the two wireless networks and won't let me get past that point. Am I supposed to click "Switch" when it asks me to switch networks? Is there a way to just mount it as an external drive and bypass the AirPort utility setup entirely?
3. Once i get it set up so it's visible as an external drive and usable for Time Machine backup, how do i then make it available to the other PCs on the network so they can back up to it also?
Thanks for your help.

sarah,
You already have an existing wireless network.
You do not need to plug the Time Capsule into anything except power.
Set the Time Capsule to "Join an existing wireless network"...
That is all you need to do.
Then all the computers should see the Time Capsule.
If you can't see "Join an existing wireless network" in the choices, hold down on the option key and then click on the choices.
Give that a try.

Connecting a wrt54g to an existing wireless network

Hi,
I'm wondering if it's possible to create a second wireless network by connecting a wrt54g to our existing wireless network?
Our main router is upstairs, connection in the downstairs office is terrible, plus it's being used by a team that would like their own network anyways. Can I plug the wrt54g into the main router, assign it a static external IP and create a second wireless network?
thanks

great thread toomanydoughnuts, thanks! all the hours I spend googling for an answer are such a waste when I can post a specific question and a human being answers me back :-)
I see that what I was trying to do is possible but before I start let me ask your opinion.
My initial goal for a seperate network was to give Router 2 a static external IP and connect our server to router 2 so external users would always be able to access it at the same address in case Router 1 ever had an IP change (I don't have constant access to router 1 and am not supposed to be fiddling with it!)
The secondary goal was to improve the wireless signal for those of us downstairs and I figure having Router 2 down there would provide a nice strong signal.
I have realized now that dyndns can solve my issue with Router 1's IP changing (even if it's once a month it's an issue for remote users accessing our server). Dyndns will re-point our host name to the new IP if it ever changes.
But I still have the issue of a very weak signal in the downstairs office.
Because I'm seeking the simplest, easiest to manage solution as I'm far from a network guru, do you think a better option may be to get a repeater or something like that for our downstairs office to just boost the signal from Router 1? If so, any recommendations?
thanks in advance for your time
Oh, and if I did go the route of setting up Router 2, could I give Router 2 a static external IP address?
Message Edited by tiphanai on 10-06-2009 07:13 AM

How do I use a 2nd Airport Extreme plugged into an Ethernet Wall Plug to join an existing wireless network to give me a better signal upstairs?

I have a 5th generation Airport Extreme giving me a great wireless signal on the 1st floor of my house. However the signal upstairs is weak. So I purchased another 5th generation Airport Extreme that I would like to plug into an ethernet wall plug upstairs. I would then like to have the upstairs Airport Extreme join the same network thus giving me a good wirelss signal upstairs. I have a MacBook Pro running OS 10.7.4. Can somebody give me step-by-step directions to set up the upstairs Airport Extreme?

I assume that the new AirPort Extreme is still in its original factory default settings.
Before you connect the AirPort Extreme, please connect a laptop to the Ethernet cable that will be used for the connection and turn off the wireless on the laptop. Make sure that you can can connect to the Internet before you begin to configure the AirPort Extreme.
Disconnect the Ethernet cable from the laptop and connect it to the WAN "O" port on the upstairs AirPort Extreme and power it up.
Open Macintosh HD > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility 6.1
Look in the upper left hand corner of the screen for a tab or box that reads "Other AirPort Base Stations (1)"
Click on that box,then click on the name AirPort Extreme xxxxxx
Wait a moment while AirPort Utility analyzes the network and then displays a message that the AirPort Extreme will be configured to extend your existing wireless network.
Enter a Base Station (device) name for the AirPort Extreme (and a device password if prompted), then click Next.
Wait another minute or two until AirPort Utility notifies you that the AirPort Extreme has been Set Up.
That's it.

Can't joint existing wireless network

I have an AX used only for iTunes. It's set up wirelessly. It recently stopped working and I can't get the AX to re-connect to the existing wireless network. No matter what I try, all I get is a blinking amber light on the AX.
I have a Netgear wireless router, an iMac wired to the wireless router, and a PowerBook G4 that's wireless. I've only used the PowerBook to send iTunes to the AX.
I've hard-reset the AX and have tried both utilities (Airport Setup Assistant and Airport Admin Utility) reconnect to the wireless network. The set-up process goes fine but after the last step (Update), the AX reboots but never shows up in iTunes.
Another thing I've noticed, but don't know its relevance to the current problem: when I reset the AX with (because I've tried resetting without) the ethernet line connected, the reset results in a solid green light (yay). But when I unplug the ethernet line, it goes back to blinking amber.
Help! I need my music.

Give this a whirl. Reset your AX so that it's in a factory default state. Go to your Airport icon on your Mac and connect to the AX rather than your own network, and set up the AX there. Leave it for the time being as being a separate network. Then go into the Airport utility and you'll see the AX. Can't remember which tab it's under, but there is an option there to have the AX join a wireless network as a client. Tell it to do that and save your settings, and it should be fine. My experience of setting up an AX via ethernet is that it promptly forgets everything after you disconnect it.

Can't connect to existing wireless network

I have a Qwest wireless modem (model 2701hg-d) and am trying to set up the Airport Express (AX) to use already existing wireless network wirelessly (ie without the ethernet cable). Is this possible? Do I need a wireless router instead?
In order to set it up I have the AX plugged into the modem via an ethernet cable. I have reset the AX and then run the Admin Utility. Once it recognizes the AX I then go to the Airport tab and select 'Join an Existing wireless Network (wireless client)' and then enter in the Network Name exactly as it is spelled in my modem configuration. I check the 'Internet' tab and it says connect using: Wireless Network and the 'Network' tab is grayed out. Then I hit update and the admin utility no longer lists the AX and the AX light is blinking amber. Not sure what is going on. I am using v6.3 of the firmware. I have read the posts extensively and am wondering if my modem is not capable of handling this?

Hi
Not exactly certain if your situation is like mine, but you could check out this previous post:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=917767&tstart=0
If you are trying to achieve wireless bridging then I don’t think APX will work with that particular router.
HTH

I am unable to join my existing wireless network with new AirPort Express

I am unable to join my existing wireless network with new AirPort Express.
I am using a DLink DI-524 Router, Windows 7 (64), and the AirPort Express.
AirPort Utility will not recognize the AEX wirelessly, it will only recognize it when it is connected by Ethernet. I can then configure the AEX and verify that the settings stick once disconnected and then reconnected. However, even after that, it will not recognize the AEX once disconnected from the Ethernet cable.
I followed the suggestions of several other threads on these forums. But I am unable to get the AEX to work.
Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Welcome to the discussion area!
It's almost always a security setting that causes problems when the Airport Express (AX) tries to join a third party wireless network. The AX usually does not "join" correctly and that's why you can't see it on your wireless network using AirPort Utility.
Using an ethernet cable is still the more reliable way to configure and adjust the AX, but if you are want to try to configure it using wireless, you must return the AX back to factory defaults as follows:
Power down the AX
Hold in the reset button +and keep holding it in+ as you plug the AX back in to power
Release the reset button after 10 seconds
When it is set to factory defaults, the AX broadcasts a wireless signal with a network name like "apple network xxxxxx" where the "x's" are either letters or numbers. You must look for this network by clicking on the fan shaped Airport icon at the top of the screen. If you don't see this network, then click Join Other Network to search that way. Unless you connect to this network, you will not be able to configure the AX using wireless.
Do you know the exact security type that your D-Link router is using? That is the key element in the process.
Open AirPort utility, click Manual Setup
Click the Base Station tab to establish a name for the AX, device password and adjust time zone settings
Click the Wireless tab
Wireless Mode....Join a wireless network
Wireless Network Name...must exactly match your D-Link wireless network name
Enable ethernet clients if you want the port to be active (your D-Link must be compatible with ProxySTA for this to work)
Wireless Security...exact setting of the D-Link network. WEP security causes a lot of issues. Try to use WPA/WPA2 Personal, which is far more secure.
Wireless Password...must match the D-Link network
Click the Music icon to enable AirTunes
Click Update to save settings
Any luck?

WRT54GC config to connect a wired-printer on existing wireless network

Hello everyone,
I hope someone can help me with the following issue :
- I have an existing wireless network at home, set up with a wireless router/dsl connection
- I now have been given a wired-printer, and I'd like to connect my printer to the existing wireless network, using a WRT54GC device.
I have been trying for a while, and I believe but can't manage to configure the device do this, and didn't find this in the forum yet.
As anyone already done this successfully ?
Thank you

What is the make and model of your printer? What type of connections does it have -- ethernet port? USB port? Parallel port?
If your printer has an ethernet port, you can wire it directly to your router.
If your printer has only a USB port, you will need a printer server such as the Linksys WPS54G, WPSM54G. These devices will allow you to use the printer as a wired or wireless printer. Both of these devices support USB 1.1 and USB 2.0
I do not recommend the Linksys PSUS4 (wired print server with 4 port switch), because it only supports USB 1.1

TC can't join existing wireless network

Hi,
yesterday I played around with my TC and tried to extend my existing wirelss network. Therefore I changed the settings from "Connect to wireless network" to "Extend a wireless network". After I found out that this feature only works on only n-enabled networks I wanted to set everything back to "Connect to wireless network". But this option disappeared! And I can't get it back on my network.
What did I wrong? Can I reset everything (keep my Backups) and connect it again? Of course, I didn't save my configuration at first hand! The software version is 7.3.2
Any ideas?
Thanks in advance!

Okay, some days later I found out that the feature I was looking for is not provided in the "expert mode" where you can tweak the settings on your own. Nope, "Connect TC with an existing network" is only provided in the assisted setup.
A little bit astonishing not to list all possibilities in the expert mode but that's life...

Using the AirPort Express to Join an existing Wireless Network

Hello,
I am hoping you can provide me with some help on this... I recelty acquired a PowerMac G4 with a 450 MHz processor, CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive, Zip Drive, 1 GB RAM, and two 40 GB HD... The system has OS 10.4 installed, and it is has built-in Ethernet...
I was told I could use the Airport Express to connect to an existing wireless network, so I purchased an Airport Express base Station... Thing is, to e honest, I am having a bit of a problem getting started...
- First, to connect from the AirPort Express to my G4, do I need a special kind of Ethernet cable, or will the usual kind do?
- Second do I need to istall the software first, or have the Airport express connected to the G4 before I do?
How would I go about setting this up, step-by-step?
Any information would be appreciated...
Thanks for your time...

OK, thanks. Hopefully, the Netgear is creating a wireless network using WPA/WPA2 security. That will make it much easier for the AirPort Express (AX) to join the wireless network. It can join networks with using WEP security, but password issues almost always arise using WEP.
Since you must enter the exact security settings and password for the wireless network, it would help tremendously to know this in advance. Otherwise, it's going to be a series of "trial and errors" and likely frustration, later on.
When you have a moment, check the security settings on the Netgear router.
It might be one of the following: WPA2 Personal, WPA/WPA2 Personal, WEP 128, WEP 40.

Hi I am hoping to add my 2 TB time capsule to my existing wireless network using cisco dpq 3925 modem. I have two mbp one running Yosemite and the other os 10.7.5

I have a time capsule 2TB model 1409. I would like to connect it to my existing wireless network (using a cisco DPQ 3925 modem). I have two mac book pro one running Yosemite and the other OS 10.7.5. The best I can do is to connect the TC to the Modem via ethernet. Have one of my MBP connect to the time capsule using a ethernet cable and have the TB set to bridge mode. In this configuration, both mbp and the iPad can detect the TC but when I try to connect it to the wireless network, using the same network name and password, the light flashes amber and I cannot detect the time capsule again.

Correct..
The best I can do is to connect the TC to the Modem via ethernet.
The TC does not connect to non-apple routers by wireless.. well. It is possible but so poor a method that Apple seem to have eliminated it in the setup wizard.. I would take that as a good thing..
If you cannot use ethernet you have two choices..
Use another apple router that is plugged into the Cable modem.. eg a second hand Extreme Gen5 or the latest Express.. the Extreme is both cheaper and better.
Or you can use a set of EOP (homeplug) adapters.. but they cannot be guaranteed to work so you should buy from a place that allows returns.

Connecting to existing wireless network ?

Hi, having a little problem setting up my Time Capsule and connecting it to my existing wireless setup.
I have followed all the onscreen instructions and make it all the way through to the end HOWEVER the Time Capsule will not restart and after a bit I get the following message coming up
"The settings for this Apple wireless device have been successfully updated, but there was a problem re-joining the wireless network or finding the Apple wireless device. You may need to select your network from the AirPort menu and try again"
If I try to rescan for apple wireless product the airport utility is unable to find any - I have to reset the TC and try all over again - now done it 4 times without success
Any advice on where I'm going wrong ?
Andrew

All sorted, ended up connecting the Time Capsule by the ethernet cable to the BT Home Hub (updated the firmware) then ran through the set up procedure as per connecting the Time Capsule to my "existing wireless network". Used the WEP password as per BT Home Hub, after this was done and setup was complete the TC restarted (no error messages this time round) then disconnected the ethernet cable and selected my BT Home Hub wireless connection that my TC has been added to. Can then use the Airport Wireless Utlility (that came on the CD - best to show in menu bar so don't have to keep going to utilities) and can then open TC to use hard drive etc.
All is well, got there in the end
In my case anyway the setup using ethernet cable worked.
Hope this helps!

Extend Existing Wireless Network

I am trying to extend my existing wireless network. I think I have it set up correctly, but I have a question about it. I initially had the network set up with a 2WIRE modem (AT&T) and an Airport Extreme. It has been really sluggish as of late, so I re-positioned the modem and AE (out of entertainment cabinet) and now it's more out in the open.
After doing that my Macbook which I use upstairs was running pretty fast, but the iMac which is downstairs and on the same level as the modem/AE was running very slowly. So, I thought I'd extend the network using an Airport Express. I think I have it set up correctly, since everything seems to be working just fine, BUT the question I have is...does the Express HAVE to be plugged int the modem in order to extend the network?
I thought the whole point of using the Express to extend the network is that you could have the Express in between the modem/AE and the computer - on the same level of the house or another level, or at least in another rom on the same level.
I hope I've explained my situation well enough for anyone to be able to provide assistance. Everything is working fine, but I guess I'm looking for some reassurance that I've done things correctly
and maybe a better understanding of how extending a network really works.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Julie

Hello Julie
To extend your wireless network I suggest you do the following;
Take the express and extreme into the same room. Ideally, plug the extreme into your modem using an ethernet cable and have the express hooked up to power on its own in the same room.
I would reset both device to their factory defaults and start over. To reset the devices to factory defaults, unplug them from their power source, hold down the recessed reset button while plugging them back into to power and continue to hold the reset button until the one LED begins to flash rapidly.
Do this with the extreme and the express. Now open airport utility, select your airport extreme and set it up from the start using the continue button and answer all the questions. Once the extreme is setup, you should see a large green checkmark. See the mac you set it up with can connect to the internet.
If you are on the internet through your extreme's wireless network you're almost there.
Step 1. Using airport utility select the airport express and click continue. The key here is to ask the express to join an existing wireless network when the question arrises.
This should do the trick for you.
Alternate to step 1. If you want to you can skip step 1 above and select your extreme using airport utility, go to the Base Station menu and select Manual Setup, click the Airport icon from the manual setup window, click the Wireless tab and put a tick next to "Allow this network to be extended". This will instruct the extreme to allow its wireless network to be extended. Update your extreme after turning on this option and give it about one minute to update itself.
Now, using airport utility, setup your express to using the continue button and instruct it to join an existing wireless network when the question comes up.
So you have two options, either should do.
Hopefully this was not too difficult. Airport utility will still see the two airport routers but from your airport menu you will always see only one network because the extreme and express behave as though they are one large network.
Consider unplugging the express now and moving it to the other floor. After you take the express upstairs, give it a minute and if it is in range of your extreme it will assume a green light, if on the other hand it continues to flash amber it's possible that it's too far from the extreme. In this case consider plugging the express into a wall socket nearer to the express.
Does this help?
Most of what I explained might be better explained by Apple, see page 43 of http://manuals.info.apple.com/enUS/Apple_AirPort_NetworksEarly2009.pdf. The steps on page 43 are what you would do with your extreme - to extend its wireless network.
Let me know how it goes.
If your devices are under 90 days old you still have complimentary phone support. If you have an AppleCare protection plan on your mac one of your devices are covered for hardware support and the 3 years phone support. If you are eligible AppleCare will be able to walk you through this.

Time Capsule as External HD and backup in an existing wireless network

I have had some difficulty having the issue solved. I have also had an an appointment at the Apple Genius Bar to solve the issue but was unsuccessful.
I am trying to see if I can use the Time Capsule in an existing wireless network as an external hard drive and backup.
I am unable to use Time Capsule as a wireless networking device because our wireless network at home is already configured for Vonage (Voice Over IP) and our DSL is with Verizon. We had to have a specialist come to our home to set up that network and I hope to not interfere with it unless I know what I am doing.
Is the Time Capsule a device you can use to store and retrieve data? My Macbook's HD is nearly full and I want to clear up some space but would like to have easy access to the data. Is it possible to use it as a backup as I would simultaneously use it as an external HD?
I was told to put the Time Capsule in "bridge" mode to solve my networking issues. Could I use the Time Capsule in bridge mode wirelessly as an external HD to store and retrieve data and backup data without interfering with my wireless internet network? Is this only possible with ethernet?

@Joop
TC can handle TM and other backups at the same time.
The TC is much slower (and more expensive) than a "normal" external drive, because everything has to go via WiFi. Especially when you are going to place Libraries on it.
So I suggest that you acquire an exeternal backup disk.
Second:
if you want to place Libraries on the same disk as your backups/TM: when that disk goes down you do not have any backup for your Libraries (even when you partition the disk to separate between backup and libraries). Think about that. Imagine how you feel when you loose your photo library....
Third:
So all in all, I suggest to have two SEPARATE external disks.

I Can Only See AEBSn Via Existing Wireless Network

I've been able to setup to set up my AEBSn without any problems, but when I try and access it I get an error messaging saying "There was an error joing the AirPort network "NetworkName".
AirPort Utility can only see the AEBSn if I am still using my existing wireless network. If I select AEBSn for my network, the icon disappears from the AirPort Utility program. Rescan doesn't find it. If switch back to my original wireless network AirPort Utility finds the AEBSn again.
In case it matters, my DSL modem has built in wireless.
It seems like I'm able to see that the AEBSn is around, but I just can't connect to it.
Does anyone have any suggestions that might help?
Thanks in advance.
-Michael-

You should have the AEBS configured to work at 2.4 GHz in an 802.11b/g compatible mode.
If the AEBS is set to automatic channel selection, set it to use a fixed channel. Try channel 6.
Disable the wireless portion of your DSL modem. If the wireless part of your DSL modem can't be disabled, ensure that the DSL modem and AEBS are using channels that are as far apart as possible.
If your DSL modem's wireless is still enabled, does it have a different wireless network name than the AEBS?
Is your AEBS configured to operate as a closed network (SSID broadcast disabled)? If so, change that option. A closed network adds no security. The SSID (network name) is still broadcast to any connected clients and therefore easily discovered.

Setting up TC on an existing wireless network

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for