Time Capsule Airport Express kicks devices offline

I've got a third gen Time Capsule, and lately it's been kicking my devices offline for a few seconds at a time.
it's real sporadic right now.
It started with my wife's iPhone 4. It would kick her off pretty regularly.
Then, it started to happen occasionally on my iPhone 4S.
Today, it happened for the first time on my MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.
Anyone know anything to try?
I haven't been able to find anything as of yet...

Hmmm Gen 3 TC can have nasty board issues..
Assuming it hasn't got to that point.
Try resetting the wireless.. Use SMB names for wireless.. short, no spaces.. pure alphanumeric
And change the channel allocation from auto to manual.. test channels 1, 6, 11 in turn.. they are the only non-overlapping.
Also check the wireless clients in the TC log.
That may show something interesting.

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

Time Capsule - Airport Express

Hi - This is not a problem yet!! Just looking for advice or a cautionary tale of what may go wrong
Basically, have iMac Time Capsule acts as wireless device, I have it connected to iMac and ASDL modem via ethernet cable(s) everything works well connect to various laptops/ipod touch wirelessly. Considering purchase of airport express that i could connect to my stereo system (downstairs) and 'stream' my iTunes -Is this going to cause me any problems? I did visit my local Apple outlet armed with a host of questions but unfortunately I seemed to know more than the young lad I spoke with!!
Any advice help or asistance would be appreciated!

The only issue I can think of at this point is the strength of the Time Capsule's wireless network as it will be "seen" by the AirPort Express that you are trying to join with it. If the signal strength is poor, then you may experience audio dropouts when attempting to stream to it. The primary reason for poor signal performance is Wi-Fi interference. This can be attributed to building construction material, other Wi-Fis operating nearby, or things like portable phones or microwave ovens that operate in the same radio band.

Time capsule & airport express settings! HELP!!

Hi guys,
Would really appreciate some help. I have been running a time capsule with various devices and all has been going well. However there was an area of the house which the time capsule wifi couldnt reach so I bought an Airport Express to extend the network.
In Airport Utility, the Time Capsule has an error saying "conflicting DCHP range" and an error beside the Airport Express saying "Device not found." Ironically both devices are working (at the minute).
This is drivng me mental, if somebody could let me know what settings the two devices should be on regarding, DHCP, NAT and Bridge mode I would really appreciate it. Thanks in advance.
Cameron

Hi guys,
Would really appreciate some help. I have been running a time capsule with various devices and all has been going well. However there was an area of the house which the time capsule wifi couldnt reach so I bought an Airport Express to extend the network.
In Airport Utility, the Time Capsule has an error saying "conflicting DCHP range" and an error beside the Airport Express saying "Device not found." Ironically both devices are working (at the minute).
This is drivng me mental, if somebody could let me know what settings the two devices should be on regarding, DHCP, NAT and Bridge mode I would really appreciate it. Thanks in advance.
Cameron

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.

Need help setting up WiFi - Xfinity with Network Switch, Time Capsule, Airport Express and Apple TV

Hello - I recently got Comcast Xfinity service. We had switched from a different service. Our wifi service was never great, but prior to Xfinity, it worked decently. But now that we have Xfinity, our wifi is much worse and very unreliable. I am seeking advice on how to setup my various Apple wifi devices in my home. I have attached a diagram that illustrates what I am dealing with. We have a large old house with stone walls. Comcast does not support this issue.
To explain the attached diagram, we have a total of 4 levels in our house - an unfinished basement, 1st floor, 2nd floor, and 3rd floor. The Xfinity router is in the basement and it is connected to a NetGear 10/100 network switch. I already have ethernet cables running from the network switch in the basement to various locations throughout the house. So I have ethernet connected to my time capsule and ethernet connected to each of my 3 Airport express devices. The dark lines running from the network switch to the various devices represents ethernet cable.
The immediate problem that we are having is that we are unable to connect to our wifi networks. The networks show on my mac laptop and my iPhone, for example, but I am unable to connect. I know that I am inputting the correct password, but most of the time, we cannot get in. Sometimes we can..... Very frustrating! Also, due to the fact that I setup what I have over several years, I have multiple network names. I once tried to fix that issue, but was unable to tackle it due to my lack of understanding.
Here is what I am looking to accomplish:
1. Seamless wifi access throughout our house.
2. One name for our wifi network. Right now we have multiple names for multiple networks. Just want to simplify and have only one network. (I guess that an additional "guest network" would be ok, but not absolutely necessary.
Also, if you think I should disable the Xfinity wifi, and just rely on my mac wifi devices, I am perfectly fine with this. Just tell me how to do so.
I have no idea how where to start or how to set this up. I imagine that I would need to disconnect everything and reset and start from scratch? Can someone tell me what I should do? Even general advice would be helpful, but the more specific, the better, given my limited understanding. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

Your photo link is not working. Click on the camera icon to load an image. (Shorten the name of the file to something like WifiNetwork.jpg)
Potential Quick Fixes When Your iPad Won’t Connect to Your Wifi Network
http://ipadinsight.com/ipad-tips-tricks/potential-quick-fixes-when-your-ipad-won t-connect-to-your-wifi-network/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wi-Fi Fix for iOS 6
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4823738?tstart=240
iOS 6 Wifi Problems/Fixes
How To: Workaround iPad Wi-Fi Issues
http://www.theipadfan.com/workaround-ipad-wifi-issues/
Another Fix For iOS 6 WiFi Problems
http://tabletcrunch.com/2012/10/27/fix-ios-6-wifi-problems-ssid/
Wifi Doesn't Connect After Waking From Sleep - Sometimes increasing screen brightness prevents the failure to reconnect after waking from sleep. According to Apple, “If brightness is at lowest level, increase it by moving the slider to the right and set auto brightness to off.”
Fix For iOS 6 WiFi Problems?
http://tabletcrunch.com/2012/09/27/fix-ios-6-wifi-problems/
Did iOS 6 Screw Your Wi-Fi? Here’s How to Fix It
http://gizmodo.com/5944761/does-ios-6-have-a-wi+fi-bug
How To Fix Wi-Fi Connectivity Issue After Upgrading To iOS 6
http://www.iphonehacks.com/2012/09/fix-wi-fi-connectivity-issue-after-upgrading- to-ios-6.html
iOS 6 iPad 3 wi-fi "connection fix" for netgear router
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsWS4ha-dn0
Apple's iOS 6 Wi-Fi problems
http://www.zdnet.com/apples-ios-6-wi-fi-problems-linger-on-7000004799/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
How to Boost Your Wi-Fi Signal
http://ipad.about.com/od/iPad_Troubleshooting/a/How-To-Boost-Your-Wi-Fi-Signal.h tm
Troubleshooting a Weak Wi-Fi Signal
http://ipad.about.com/od/iPad_Troubleshooting/a/Troubleshooting-A-Weak-Wi-Fi-Sig nal.htm
How to Fix a Poor Wi-Fi Signal on Your iPad
http://ipad.about.com/od/iPad_Troubleshooting/a/How-To-Fix-A-Poor-Wi-Fi-Signal-O n-Your-iPad.htm
iOS Troubleshooting Wi-Fi networks and connections http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1398
iPad: Issues connecting to Wi-Fi networks http://support.apple.com/kb/ts3304
WiFi Connecting/Troubleshooting http://www.apple.com/support/ipad/wifi/
How to Fix: My iPad Won't Connect to WiFi
http://ipad.about.com/od/iPad_Troubleshooting/ss/How-To-Fix-My-Ipad-Wont-Connect -To-Wi-Fi.htm
iOS: Connecting to the Internet http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1695
iOS: Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4199
How to Quickly Fix iPad 3 Wi-Fi Reception Problems
http://osxdaily.com/2012/03/21/fix-new-ipad-3-wi-fi-reception-problems/
iPad Wi-Fi Problems: Comprehensive List of Fixes
http://appletoolbox.com/2010/04/ipad-wi-fi-problems-comprehensive-list-of-fixes/
Connect iPad to Wi-Fi (with troubleshooting info)
http://thehowto.wikidot.com/wifi-connect-ipad
Fix iPad Wifi Connection and Signal Issues http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwWtIG5jUxE
Fix Slow WiFi Issue https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2398063?start=60&tstart=0
How To Fix iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch Wi-Fi Connectivity Issue http://tinyurl.com/7nvxbmz
Unable to Connect After iOS Update - saw this solution on another post.
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4010130
Note - When troubleshooting wifi connection problems, don't hold your iPad by hand. There have been a few reports that holding the iPad by hand, seems to attenuate the wifi signal.
Wi-Fi or Bluetooth settings grayed out or dim
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1559
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If any of the above solutions work, please post back what solved your problem. It will help others with the same problem.
 Cheers, Tom

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

Best use Time Capsule & Airport Express together?

I've used the Express for several years and really enjoy using the ouput to play my iTunes wirelessly thru my stereo speakers. Then we moved, but my wife moved ahead of me and took the Express. I then bought a Time Capsule which doesn't have audio outs. I noticed that when I set it up it used the same name for the wireless network as my old Express. Now I've moved and joined my wife, and for the 1st time have both devices together. What is the most effective way to configue them? How do I maintain use of the Express for the iTunes wireless playing? Do I need to rename the network?

Hi Brian,
Set up your TC to be the Main network provider. It will work the best as it has the more powerful antennas. Then add the Express to extend the network of the TC. The Express will still play all music wireless and print wireless to printers attached. If you have both a APE g and n as i do its no problem at all couse the TC has got dual band.
For your last question, its best to reset the APE prior of doing the new settings. Just press the small reset button on the bottom of the device by pressing it for 10sec with a pen or pin (while attached to power). the light will start blinking very fast after 10sec. Then just plug out power and back in and your mac will see it popup in the airport utility.
Setup:
*First attach all cables to the TC and power it up, leave the APE off power.
*setup the TC as you pleaseand check if its works as you wish
*plug in the APE, airport utility will see it and ask you what to so
*set the APE to extend your existing network (that of the TC)
*APE will reboot and your off :-)

Time Capsule + AirPort express don't work together

OK so I have my Time Capsule running, I plug in my Airport express and AirPort Utility software doesn't see it. You know why?

My Time Capsule and AirPort Express work fine together. The TC is connected via ethernet to my iMac, but the AEBS is meant to be my printer server/AirTunes outlet. I basically plugged in the AEBS and used AirPort Utility to locate the device. Once in manual setup, I clicked wireless and connected to my existing TC network. If your TC is set to NOT broadcast the network name, you will need the exact name and the network password including the security scheme (e.g. Apple Network A12B34, mysecretpassword, and WPA/WPA2 Personal). Once restarted, AEBS should connect to your exisiting network. If a past attempt was made to access AEBS wirelessly and you did it incorrectly, it's likely you won't be able to access the AEBS unless you do a hard reset. To do a hard reset, have the AEBS plugged in and use a pin to press the reset button until the light flashes, then release and try using AirPort Utility again.

Time Capsule + Airport Express = SLOW!

ok experts, here is the problem: I am using a Time Capsule as my base station and speakeasy.net tests show its getting 8mbps down and 2mbps up. When i extend my wireless network using an Airport Express the speed test results plummet to .5 mbps down and .3mbps up. when I'm in my bedroom where the airport express is, things are insanely slow. When I am in my office close to the Time Capsule, things are fast.
the Time Capsule is configured as 802.11n (802.11b/g compatible), Channell 11, and the wireless Mode is: Participate in a WDS network, with WPA 2 Personal security.
It seems to me the problem lies with the airport express. Any wonderful suggestions and sage advice?
thank you very much in advance. larry

"Extend a wireless network" and "participate in a WDS" are two completely different methods of expanding a wireless network arrangement.
Ideally, you will use the "extend" feature because this places much less of a bandwidth penalty on the wireless network compared to WDS. But, to use the "extend" setup, both of the Apple devices must be "n" capable. We know that the Time Capsule is an "n" capable device, but your Express may or may not be depending on what version you have.
Can you check the fine print on the side of your AirPort Express to see which model number you have? It will likely either be an A1084 or A1264. Please post on your findings.

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.

Time Capsule/AirPort Express problem with DHCP server

Hi everyone,
I seem to be having some weird issue with my home network. I use a Time Capsule (2011) as my main router and a new AirPort Express as a wireless bridge (router set to "Extend a wireless network", the LAN port is connected to network printer). Recently, it seems that at least once or twice a week that the DHCP server on my router stops working. Computers that have static IP addresses have no problem accessing the internet or my local network, but devices that don't have static IPs are unable to join the network (over Wi-Fi or ethernet) because they are not being assigned an IP. This never happened before. I'm not sure if it has anything to do with the recent firmware update. Anybody else seem to be having this problem? I am able to get the DHCP server working again by restarting the Time Capsule or by setting the computer or device that won't connect to a static IP. Really curious why this seems to be happening…
Thanks for all the help guys

I am having the same problem with the same setup: a 2011 Time Capsule and an Airport Express. I've had my Aiport Express hooked in for about 2 years, so I know it is not the problem. The only difference I have is the DHCP will stop working on the ethernet, but still work over WiFi from the TC. Rebooting the Time Capsule fixes the DHCP issue.
I am running version 7.6.4 in the Time Capsule.

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!

Time Capsule Airport Express kicks devices offline

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