Slow wifi with Time Capsule

Hi,
I bought a brnad new 2TB Time Capsule a few weeks ago to replace an ageing Airport Extreme. Plugged it in, set it it up. All lovely. Except... two weeks later, my wifi has slowed to an absolute crawl. I'm also having problems with my iPhone dropping my wifi connection, and the connectivity to my iPad comes and goes.
I've reset the Time Capsule - restored to factory settings - and the problem appears to fix itself for all of an hour or so, and then the wifi signal degrades to almost useless.
Really, really ****** off here. What's the point? I have step-sons upstairs with a BT HomeHub, and their signal is strong, constant and reliable. Whereas muggins here, plugging a TC into another BT HomeHub is getting ****. Thinking of - I'm shocked at myself - just junking the TC and using kit that works.
Any suggestions or thoughts gratefully received.

You have the dual "n" band enabled with your Time Capsule - the 5GHz band for your MBP, and the 2.4GHz band for your iPhone?
I have not experienced the same with my iPhone 4 when connected to my Time Capsule set up with dual band for my MBP and iPhone.

Similar Messages

How can i switch my att wifi with time capsule

how can i switch my att wifi with time capsule

Sorry I have no idea what you mean.. switch off, switch on, swap over.
Bridge the TC and use same ssid (wireless name), security but different channels..
Or just turn it off.
Please write a question that is a sentence and has sense.

Wifi with Time Capsule really slow

I have a brand new Time Capsule, macbook pro 13", and iPad (all of them less than a month old, purchased the same time). Everything work together great with the exception of my iphone 4. Using a download apps, if I download using 3G I get over 300kb/sec. Download using wifi, I get about 30kb/sec and sometime less. If I reset, I mean hard reset the time capsule and reconfigure it, I'll get amazing speed for a day or two on my iphone. Then it slowed down to crawl again. Using speedtest apps shows the speed is great at 8 to 9 mb/sec. I'm baffled.
I set my macbook pro to connect 5GHz, and the rest is automatic.
Any tips?

You have the dual "n" band enabled with your Time Capsule - the 5GHz band for your MBP, and the 2.4GHz band for your iPhone?
I have not experienced the same with my iPhone 4 when connected to my Time Capsule set up with dual band for my MBP and iPhone.

Slow wifi on time capsule - 1st generation

Connection 802.11 N - Cox ISP -- I am getting 98mb down directly out of the cable modem. However on WIFI my speed is cut nearly in one-half -- 54 mb down. I have reset the time capsule (version 1). I checked on 2 MacBook Pros (10.6.8) and both have the same result.
The specs on 802.11 N call for up to 150 MB speed ---- is 54Mb all that this is capable off?
Thank You,
Alex

The first thought that comes to mind is that a 1st Gen Time Capsule is at least 5 years old and possibly almost 7 , so it is amazing that it is still operating at all. In general this model suffered from power supply issues.
The power supply on this version of the Time Capsule is likely not putting out anywhere near the voltage that it did when it was younger, so that would be a logical reason to suspect that the WiFi signal has weakened significantly.
Here, I am assuming that you have the Radio Mode on the Time Capsule set to the factory default setting of 802.11n/g/b. If you are not sure about this, post back for more instructions.
To test the Time Capsule, locate your laptop about 10-12 feet, or 3-4 meters from the Time Capsule with clear line of sight to the Time Capsule and run a few more speed checks. If the Time Capsule continues to deliver in the 50 Mbps range, that is all that it can do.

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

Slow network with Time Capsule

Hi There!
We have a network at home consisting of a Time Capsule (to provide wireless to the house as well as to hold all of our iTunes content and use as a file server), two Mac Pro towers, a MacBook Pro, an iMac, and two Windows-based notebooks, and an Apple TV. We are NOT using the Time Capsule for backup.
The problem we're having is that the network is incredibly slow. Trying to copy a large file over the network can take hours when it should only take minutes. And we can't stream shows/movies in iTunes from the Time Capsule because it pauses every one or two seconds to catch up. We also have business grade cable modem service but we can't do iChat videoconferencing without the audio/video completely dropping.
We tried purchasing an Airport Express to extend the range of the signal (and even purchased a second one!) but those didn't help, either. The firmware on all devices it up-to-date. And the network is closed (no one is leeching).
Are there any tools, either built in to OS X or another source, that can help us diagnose what's wrong with our network? What other things can we try to diagnose the slow network?
Thanks!

First of all, be aware that the more devices you connect to a wireless network, the slower it goes. In addition, if you have devices that only work at B or G speeds, all devices on the network slow down to the slowest device.
For example, when you have a 300mbps N device and a 11mbps B device connected to the same network, they'll both go at a maximum speed of 5.5mbps. You are limited to 11mbps because of the B device and then further limited to 5.5mbps because there are two devices sharing the total (11mbps) bandwidth.
As far as testing out your current connection, try these:
1. On a mac, you can hold down Option and click on the airport/wireless icon. This will show transmit rate and other information. The maximum transmit rate for N devices is 270, G: 54, B: 11. If the transmit rate is very low, this indicates a poor wireless signal
2. Change the wireless channel used by your time capsule to something else. Try them all to see what gives you the best wireless signal
3. In the airport utility, select the time capsule, go to manual setup, go to advanced, click on Logs and Statistics, then click Wireless Clients. This shows the transfer rate, noise, and signal for each device connected to the time capsule.
4. Download iStumbler. This mac application will show other wireless networks in the area and what channel they're using. It is typically not good to set your network to use the same channel as others in your area.
5. Download some sort of application that shows transfer speeds (like iStat Pro). Test transferring large files between computers to see how fast it goes with different setups.
There's a few things you can do to improve wireless performance when bogged down with too many devices:
1. Turn off any wireless devices not in use. If it's on, it's using bandwidth space even though it's not transferring data.
2. Use multiple routers or a dual-band router to create separate networks. For example, you can make the time capsule make a 802.11N-Only network which will only the new N devices will connect to. Plug an express into it and make it create another network (G-only or B/G-only). Keep plugging in additional routers and make new networks as needed.
3. Replace older B/G devices with N devices if possible.

Slow internet with Time Capsule

I just bought a 4th generation Time Capsule to replace my Airport extreme.
With the Time Capsule my internet speed has drobbed to less them .60 mps.
When I reattach my Airport extreme I get 6 mps
I am using the lastest firmware (7.6.1) I have checked all of my setting and so has Apple.
Apple has replaced the Time Capsule 2 times, but the 3rd one still has the same problem.
When connect the DSL Modem directly to the computer or the old airport extreme everything is fine.
Apple is now saying that maybe it's my dsl modem, but AT&T says everything is fine and I am running the lastest firmware on the dsl modem.
I am running system 10.8.2 on an iMac and MacBokk Pro with Retina... Also a couple of iPads
Anyone else had this problem? Solution? Ideas?
Thanks.. Jim

Very interesting.. and Apple have not even really tried to troubleshoot this.
What model is the old airport extreme? Give me the A1xxx from the foot.
A screen shot of the setup would be very useful.. particularly the wireless.
Is the modem in bridge?
Can you bridge it and try with the TC doing pppoe?
Or do you have the modem running as router and the AEBS /TC in bridge?
When you run the TC what is the wireless link speed?
What about speed sharing a file in the local network?
I suspect your problem maybe the WAN to LAN throughput which has been reported in some cases as being an issue.. with no resolution.. the bug does not hit everyone so it could be just the combo of that particular dsl modem and TC that is part of the issue.

I'm trying to extend my wifi network with time capsule but it can't find the existing wifi network

I'm trying to extend my wifi network with time capsule but it can't find the existing BT wifi network even though it is there with a good signal strength. The Time Capsule is connected to a Netgear router via ethernet.

You will need to start over on the setup of the Time Capsule as follows:
Disconnect any Ethernet cables that might be connected to the Time Capsule, but leave it powered on
Hold in the reset button on the back of the Time Capsule for 8-10 seconds and release. The reset button is located next to the AC power socket.
Allow a full minute for the Time Capsule to restart to a slow, blinking amber light
Connect the Ethernet cable from a LAN <--> port on the Netgear to the WAN "O" port on the Time Capsule. The Ethernet cable must remain connected at all times.
Click the WiFi icon at the top of the Mac's screen
Look for a setting of New AirPort Base Station
Click on Time Capsule
The example below shows an AirPort Express. You will see Time Capsule on your screen.
That will get the setup wizard going. It will take a minute to analyze the settings, then display a screen that looks like this, except you will see a picture of the Time Capsule
Network Name..........Type in the exact name that the Netgear wireless is using
Base Station.............Type in a name that you want to call the Time Capsule. Use something short and simple. Mine is TC, for example
Password..................Type in the exact password that the Netgear wireless requires
Verify.........................Verify the Password again
Click Next
The setup wizard will configure everything for you automatically. When you see the message of Setup Complete, click Done.
That's it. Now you have one big "extended" network. Technically, this is called a "roaming" network.

Using Airport Express as separate wifi network vs extender with Time Capsule?

Hello all. I recently converted my home computer network from Windows/PC based to an iMac with Time Capsule. On my previous setup, I had a Cisco/Linksys router with wifi, and I also had two Airport Expresses in separate areas of the house where the Linksys had a weak signal. Obviously, I had the Airport Expresses set up as "separate" wifi networks, as they could not be used as network extenders with the Linksys. This setup seemed to work really good, as the 3 wifi networks provided good blanket coverage in all parts of the house. Each network also seemed to "hand-off" to the other pretty well, meaning that Airport Express 1 would show as the active network when you moved far enough away from the Linksys (or insert any of the network names here, even though I'm pretty sure that the device accessing the network has more to do with this than the networks themselves). In particular, the speeds that I got from the Airport Expresses actually eclipsed the speeds that I would get from the Linksys wifi.
My issue is that after I converted everything, I left the Airport Expresses as "separate networks" and essentially removed the Linksys/Cisco router and replaced it with the Time Capsule. So I still have 3 separate wifi networks, just like before, with the Time Capsule network taking the place of the Linksys wifi network. While the Linksys and the Airport Expresses seemed to co-exist together nicely, I get the feeling that the TC and the AEs are somehow working against each other or at least competing with each other for bandwidth. For example, if I have my iPhone right beside my iMac and TC, and I run a speed test on the iPhone using the TC wifi network, I get download and upload speeds in the range that I am expecting (30-40 mbps download). However, when I walk down the hallway to the other end of the house, the TC tends to remain the dominant wifi network, even when I am in the same room with one of the AEs (this is where they used to "hand off" nicely between networks). When you run a speed test in this location still on the TC wifi, the speed drops down to 5-7 mbps, and worse, I believe the signal becomes inconsistent because webpages and data often seem to be freezing in the middle of downloading. I understand that the distance from the TC is causing this, because my solution has been to manually switch from the TC to the closest AE, and that fixes the issue. Run a speed test after I manually switch to the closest AE when I am in the same room as an AE, and the speeds pop back up to 30-40 mbps.
My question is this: would switching the AEs to "extenders" of the TC wifi network help this issue? Honestly, my laziness was one reason that I did not do this when I setup the TC initially, because I have several devices that access the AE wifi networks that I'd have to update with the new network name and password. Everything was working great before, and I just didn't want to upset the apple cart. But if I have created an unfriendly environment between the TC and the two AEs, I certainly have no problem making the change now. I just wasn't sure if making this change would fix my problem or not. I know it's a mundane thing, but I'd like to be able to roam the house without continuously having to manually switch between wifi networks to get a consistent signal.
Sorry if this is a simple issue. I am admittedly a newbie with the TC and its interaction with the AEs.
Thanks in advance!!

It is not a simple issue.
Exactly which method works best is going to take some experimentation.
The way you are trying to set it up as a roaming network is generally considered the best.. but the devices like iphones do not hand off neatly.
It is interesting that they in fact used to hand off better using the Linksys.. which could be due to its poorer range. The new TC having so much better range is causing the phones to not swap "towers" to the local express.
Test it with a Mac laptop.. as generally they do hand off better.
I cannot quite figure out if you are using roaming correctly. All the wireless should have identical names, with identical security setting and passwords.
The only thing that should be different is wireless channels on each item. And you are likely just using auto anyway.
So each device is creating a wireless network. And for 2.4ghz one should be channel 1, then another channel 6 and another channel 11. For 5ghz it will be same idea but there are more channels available.
When you extend wireless, everything runs the same channel. But the wireless speed is reduced. You must disconnect ethernet to each of the expresses.. and the problem is your 30-40mbps will reduce permanently to 15-20mbps for all clients. So take your choice.. 15-20mbps for all clients forced to double hop is better than 5-7mbps which you experience now when you walk around.. although I am not sure how much browsing you do whilst walking. You may need to compromise which is the better out of several not great alternatives.
I would have a test.. which is wrong btw.. but I have heard that it works.
In your roaming network at the present time. Try setting each router to a manual wireless channel.. and fix all of them the same. So for instance, set 2.4ghz to channel 11. Try fixing the 5ghz as well, say the TC is defaulting to 149, it might not actually respond to manual wireless channels.. you will need to test this.. say set to 36 or 40 and see if the TC is actually changed.. if not just set all the expresses to 149 as well. What you are doing is trying to reinforce the wireless in each area.. but this is actually wrong. So all will have same wireless name and same security wpa2 personal is the only valid one.. and all the same password.
Test with a few clients and see if the results give you decent local speeds as well as better roaming.. once you decide which to do, then you will need to change all the clients.

Devices (iPad, iPhone) no longer can maintain wifi connectivity with time capsule

My iPad and iPhone can no longer maintain wifi connectivity with time capsule. Time capsule has connectivity to internet via Macbook, but not other devices. This started after upgrade of devices to s/w 6.0. Does anyone know if that could impact connectivity?

Yes, this is often reported with iOS 6.. there are definitely more wireless problems.
I recommend you reset the TC in the following ways.
1. Change all names to SMB type.. ie short, no spaces and pure alphanumeric.. that includes the TC itself, wireless and hard disk. I recommend a different name for 5ghz so you can force clients to that band without auto voodoo affecting it.
2. Use WPA2 Personal security only.. 8-12 character pure alphanumeric passkey.
3. Lock the wireless channels.. particularly for 2.4ghz.. pick one of the channels, out of 1, 6, 11 as these are the only ones that do not overlap.. test each in turn for the best and most stable. TC should pick the best itself but that is voodoo and I am preferring to run the system without black arts.

Can I use Extreme with Time Capsule to extend my gateway router and still use Capsule as "external HD"?

Bought Airport Extreme with Time Capsule version 7.7.2 with 2 Terabytes Feb 2014. It was probably an expensive mistake, but after searching for weeks for a external hard drive, it seemed reasonably priced to just use the capsule as my external hard drive for the price I paid. Spend an hour with Apple Care to get it working-had to use ethernet cord to my iMac OS 10.8.5 processor 2.5 GHz Intel Core i5. I did not "need" the airport as we have a Winstream SAGEMCOM modem/router (Sagemfast 1704) But, I was desperate and about to lose my old external hard drive with literally had 3 computers worth of information on it. It had already "died" once, but got it back, so once I got the airport/capsule and was told I just paid for an expensive HD, I had no time to take it back to get something else-I had to transfer my info right then. We (Apple Care) could not get it to work as a HD wirelessly. It may be because it was being set up for the first time; I don't know. I was hoping I would get a transcript of all done so I could do it myself if needed later on, but when I looked at my email-they didn't do that. (Don't know if that is normal, I was used to other "techs" sending the email.) So now I really want to try to move my airport and "extend" our wifi as it said on the "box" that you could do...
Our Windstream router had to be placed in the lower level at the bottom of our stairs. The stairway is "open" (no door going down the steps). I want to place the Extreme at the top of the stairs so that we can use some things in our offices or not have Netflix on our TV lose connectivity when we all are on our computers.
I know I need an ethernet cord to connect directly with the modem/router to the Airport Extreme. I don't know what I will need to do after I connect it as it was so goofy when we set it up the first time (With the app it would disappear and not show up..) But my biggest concern is will I be able to still use the capsule as my hard drive and will I be able to do it wirelessly? (Even with it connected by ethernet, every day I have to re-connect to it before I can click on anything on the hard drive. It never shows up on it's own as my old HD did. That drives me nuts.) I do back up using the Time Capsule feature as well. I appreciate any help.

I am still willing to plug in the ethernet cord to the modem/router and try it IF I was able to get a step by step instructions..
Connecting the Time Capsule (TC) to the existing Winstream by Ethernet would be the basis for a roaming type network. This type of network allows you to basically "roam" with a wireless client and connect to either router. This, in essence, would provide you with an "extended" wireless network. The Apple routers can work with just about any manufacturers' routers in this fashion.
The keys to having a successful roaming network are as follows:
The routers must be interconnected by Ethernet.
Both routers will broadcast their own Wi-Fi network, but MUST use the same Network Name (or SSID), wireless security type (WPA or WPA2), and wireless password.
The TC MUST be reconfigured as a bridge.
Connect a single Ethernet cable between one of the Winstream's LAN ports and the WAN (circle of dots) port on the TC.
The basic steps are:
Power-down the Winstream.
Perform a "factory default" reset on the TC. Leave the TC powered-down after the reset has completed.
Connect the TC to the Winstream using an Ethernet cable.
Power-up the Winstream. Wait at least 10-15 minutes to allow it to initialize.
Power-up the TC. Wait at least 5 minutes to allow it to initialize. (Note: Since we just reset the TC it will be performing as a wireless router that will be broadcasting an unsecured Wi-Fi network with a Network Name of something like: Apple Network NNNNNN)
Connect your computer to the Winstream's Wi-Fi network.
Run the AirPort Utility. select the TC, and then, select Edit.
Go to the Network tab.
Change the Router Mode option to: Off (Bridge Mode)
Select the Wireless tab.
Verify that the Network Mode option is set to: Create a wireless network
For Wireless Network Name, enter the Wi-Fi network name used by the Winstream.
For Wireless Security, select the equivalent security type that is used by the Winstream. (Note: Use "WPA/WPA2 Personal" if the Winstream is using WPA/TKIP. Use "WPA2 Personal" is the Winstream is using WPA2/AES.
For Wireless Password, enter the same password used by the Winstream.
Select Update and allow the TC to restart.
As far as your external HD, yes you should still be able to use it as before.

No internet with Time Capsule

I cant get internet through my time capsule. When i run network diagnostics, the network status says that:
Airport, Airport Settings, Network Settings and ISP are fine, but the Internet and Server have failed.
I use a cable modem from virgin media.

gareth1962jones wrote:
I've just installed time capsule with one airport extreme - which is all working fine except that I now can't get into the internet: somehow, I've ended up with two wifi networks - a new one one that the Time Capsule works with but no internet and one that connects me to the internet but not Time Capsule (the wifi network I had beforehand)
I've connected my original wireless modem to the Time Capsule via an ethernet cable. Airport utilities tells me this cable is not connected so I suspect the problem is something to do with that.
Do I need a wireless modem at all with Time Capsule?
Unless you expect problems with range, you might try replacing your AirPort Extreme with the Time Capsule. There are ways to get them to work together, but you'll probably be happier and have less hassle just doing the replacement.
I'd start by using the "Manual Setup" option of AirPort Utility to do a "File -> Save A Copy As..." of your existing AIrPort Extreme configuration. Then connect the Time Capsule in its place and use "File -> Import..." to bring your old settings into the TIme Capsule. There are probably some things you'll need to tweak, but the old settings will at least get you going in the right direction.

Best modem to use with time capsule?

I'm having Time Warner Cable (TWC) come into install internet only on Thursday. I want to attach my new 3tb timecapsule to the network (which I just purchased so unused so far) and use as my wireless gateway and for wireless backup. TWC has a list of recommended modems we can use. I picked the motorola sb6141 but I saw a few posts on other threads here that is causes problems with Time Capsule over time and the speed diminishes. Of their list, would someone recommend one of these other options instead? Or should I just go with the motorola? Am not a tech savvy person, but can work with detailed instructions. So whatever would give me the least headaches? Thanks much!
Vendor
Model
Motorola
SBG6580
Motorola
SB6141
Motorola
SB6121
Motorola
SB5101
Motorola
SB5101U
Motorola
SBG901
Netgear
CG3000D
Netgear
CMD31T
Zoom
5352
Zoom
5350
Zoom
5341J
ZyXEL
CDA-30360
I have a brand new macbook pro (2 months old) so i'm assuming I have the latest of everything. I run the software update regularly.

You might want to read the discussion started in Feb 2014 with the title "What is the most reliable modem for my Apple Time Capsule." TWC was mentioned by two responders.
I am no technician and therefore cannot help beyond this referral. However,
I have a similar question about which modem to use with a Time Capsule. My ISP is Cox Communications, whose website suggests similar modem brand/types as mentioned in your list above, but also adds two Cisco models that are compatible with Cox internet. The Cisco models are DPC3000 (Preferred) and DPC3010 (Ultimate). I would like to get the DPC3010 but would like confirmation that the TC WiFi will work as flawlessly as it has been, while connected to a Linksys with DOCSIS 2.0 technology. Thanks for any advice.

Wireless comm problem with time capsule or airport extreme using iMac G5

I did buy a Time Capsule and an iMac 20" G5 January 2009...Installed all the components and created a wireless network...MacBook, iPhone and iPod Touch connected perfectly...iMac connected but started to drop communications with Time Capsule...Safari, iTunes and other internet-access programs had problems to connect 100% with the web...After reviewing all the post here and "testing/trying" several parameters, I found out that you need to define a WPA/WPA2 password protection with more than 13 characters...FYI, Time capsule is configured using 802.11n (b/g compatible)...

Further to Bob's comments..
A Gen1 TC will be using marvel wireless chip and your 2008 and 2010 Macbook will use atheros and/or broadcom cards.. Just open your system profiler and look for info on the airport. We find the mixture of wireless chipsets especially older draft N and later N products can give very varied results.
The very fact you are linking at 270 and not 300mbps shows some reduction from theoretical max speed.. and really to get over 100mbps with any wireless you need perfect setup.. matched wireless chips etc.
Do a test uploading and downloading a file to the TC to see if the LAN speed is better than internet speed.
In reality I think you are doing especially well.. we see loads of people complaining about slow internet here who are getting less than 10% of the speed they get direct when routed through the TC. And on most occasions the limit in speed is not really going to affect what you do, as the real links to the internet are not that fast.

Steps to start over with time capsule?

i need to start over with time capsule, completely. what are the steps necessary to do this?
erase the TC (I can see how to do that)
remove from Time Machine list (i can see how to do that, too).
reset to factory defaults? would that clear name and password. do they get reset to something?
is this step necessary.
what else is needed?

On an iPad or iPhone.....
Tap Settings on the home screen
Tap WiFi
Under the heading of Setup a new AirPort Base Station, Tap Time Capsule
The setup wizard will guide you through
On a Mac running Lion, Mountain Lion or Mavericks
Open Macintosh HD > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility
Click Other WiFi Devices
Click Time Caspule
The setup wizard will guide you through

Slow wifi with Time Capsule

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