Time Capsule on Existing Wireless Network

My niece will be going to college this fall, and her dad bought her a Time Capsule. Her dorm will already have a wireless network. How can she use the Time Capsule on an existing network and still have some security?

Using an Ethernet cable, she should connect the Time Capsule directly to the Mac's Ethernet port and backup files that way. The Mac will not be able to connect to the Internet when the Ethernet cable is connected and backups are running.
If the Time Capsule is configured to "join" the campus wireless network using wireless only.....which is not supported by Apple..... then backups must occur very slowly over that "public" network. Definitely not recommended.
If is not too late to return the Time Capsule....there are better, and less expensive options here.

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Can Time Capsule Join Existing Wireless Network?

I currently work in a building with a wireless network. In my own office, I use AX to join that wireless network and I connect a local printer to the USB port.
From some posts, I've gotten the idea that the Time Capsule will not join an existing wireless network.
Is that the case?

That is correct - Time Capsule cannot be configured to function as a wireless client on an existing wireless network. The only Apple Airport product currently able to do that is the Airport Express device.
It can be configured as a remote base station in a wireless distribution system (WDS), but this would require the wireless network's main base station to be another Time Capsule or any model of Airport Extreme base station.

Time Capsule in existing Wireless Network

I've got an existing WiFi network: it is a DSL modem/router (Netgear). And I've got several computers connected to the Internet from this AP.
Now, I've recently purchased a Time Capsule so that I can perform back-ups of my MacBook Pro. But I want to know what is the best way to connect the new Time Capsule, giving the following requirements:
I don't want to share the data on the Time Capsule with all other computers. For now, this should just be for my own back-up.
I want to preferably transfer/access the capsule at the best performance rate, i.e. 5GHz., and wirelessly.
I want to try not disrupt any of the other people who is currently connected to the existing wireless network.
The Netgear AP I've got at the moment is operating at 2.2GHz over the g/b mode.
What options do I have? From what I've read so far, I see two opttions, but let me know what is the best, or also, if there are other better options:
Connet the capsule to "join" the existing wireless network. However, my question is, then at what speed would by MacBook be accessing and transfering to the capsule. Would it be bottlenecked by the existing wireless router at 2.2GHz?
Or, Connect the capsule to create a new dedicated network operating over 5GHz (only) on the N-mode. This would be in bridge-mode, where the existing router would handle DHCP, etc.
Could someone please advise what's the best course of action, that would give best performance and why? My understanding might not be complete about what I specified above, but if someone could please guide, it would be appreciated. thanks.

Connect the printer to the USB port on the Time Capsule and make sure everything is powered on.
On your Mac, open System Preferences (gear icon on the dock)
Open Print & Scan, or it might be Print & Fax depending on your operating system
Click the + (plus) button at the bottom of the printer list on the left side of the window
Hopefully.....your printer or printer family will appear in the next window
It is does, click on the name of the printer to highlight it
Click Add at the lower right
Try to print a test document
Be sure to select the correct printer location when the print dialog appears. If you previously printed when the printer was connected directly to the Mac, it will appear as if you have two of the same printers installed.
A careful look will reveal that you have two printer "locations"...one at the Mac and the other at the Time Capsule. You have to choose the correct "location" at the Time Capsule
You may need to power off the printer again and restart it if printing does not work on the first try.
You will need to "install" the printer from each Mac that you have when you try to print.
If you have any PCs, you will need to download, install and run Bonjour Print Services for Windows v2.0.2 to select the printer and "install" it on the PC.

Joining time capsule to existing wireless network

I want to back up my computer to time capsule
My time capsule was previously set up as my own wireless base station, with ethernet cord plugged in.
I'm currently staying in a house with it's own wireless router/network, and I just want to use the time capsule to back up through the house network, not as its own base station. How do I join it to the existing wireless network and set it up for time machine backups?
thanks

Are you able to log onto to the old wireless network that the Time Capsule is providing and open AirPort Utility - Manual Setup?
Macintosh HD > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility
If yes,
Click the Wireless tab just below the row of icons
Write down all of the current settings for safekeeping.
Then, make these changes:
Wireless Mode = Join a wireless network. If you do not see this choice, hold down the option key on your Mac while you click on the selection box
Wireless Network Name = Name of the network you want to join
Wireless Security = WPA2 Personal
Wireless Password = Wireless Password
Confirm Password
Click Update to save settings. The Time Capsule will disappear from AirPort Utility, so close AirPort Utility. After 30-40 seconds, the Time Capsules should have a green light.
You'll need to reset Time Machine so it can find the Time Capsule
Open System Preferences (gear icon) on the dock
Open Time Machine
Click Select Disk
Click your Time Capsule to highlight it
Click Use for Backups
That should get you going.
Message was edited by: Bob Timmons

Adding Time Capsule to existing wireless network?

Hi all
I have been reading the existing posts on this subject but cant really find the answers I need.
We have just bought a Time Capsule to back up our MacBook Pro.
We have a Netgear wireless modem/router which already has a wireless network set up.
My parents use a Windows laptop and access the internet via this network. We do not need this laptop to be backed up with the time capsule.
I am just wondering what is the best way to set up the Time Capsule? Add it to the existing network or create a new network? What are the benefits of each?
We also have a 5GHz wireless network - would it be better to connect the Time Machine to this instead? And if so is it possible for the Mac to run off the 2.4GHz while it backs up to Time Capsule via 5GHz? Sorry not sure how this all works!
thanks

bushwacka2603 wrote:
Thanks.
So just so Ive understood correctly.....
I connect the TC to my Netgear via ethernet and this means the TC acts as a wireless router to connect my Mac and the laptop to the internet?
Bridged the TC is an AP only not a router.
Wireless can be on or off.. it is entirely up to you.
What OS are you running?
If you are unfortunate enough to run Mountain Lion. please install a real utility.. this is tricky because Apple like toyland version for toyland OS>
How to load 5.6 into ML.
1. Download 5.6 for Lion.
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1482
Click to open the dmg but do not attempt to install the pkg.. it won't work anyway.
2. Download and install unpkg.
http://www.timdoug.com/unpkg/
Run unpkg on the desktop.. it is very simple.. drag the AirPortUtility56.pkg file over to unpkg.. and it will create a new directory of the same name on the desktop.. drill down.. applications utilities .. there lo and behold is Airport utility 5.6 .. drag it to your main utilities directory or just run it from current location.
You cannot uninstall 6.1 so don't try.. and you cannot or should not run them both at the same time.. so just ignore the toyland version.. the plastic hammer.. and start using 5.6.. a real tool.

Time Capsule and Existing Wireless Network

I've previously used time machine to back up my G5 & Powerbook to separate external hard disks. I've just bought time capsule so that I could back up both computers to the same drive.
However, when powering on the Time Capsule device it is not visible on my existing network (called Wireless LAN) and instead it seems to have created a separate network called Apple Network b73829.
If I switch to this network I can see the Time Capsule device and it is also visible in Time Machine preferences but I cannot access the internet or any of my other wireless devices (Extreme Base Station etc.) which form the Wireless LAN network; I must switch back to this network if I want internet access.
What I don't want to do at this stage is replace my existing base station with the time capsule device; I just want to use it for backing up wirelessly.
I have reset the device several times now but it just will not join this existing network - what am I doing wrong?
Many thanks & regards,
Cliff
Brighton, UK

OK, so I have done this and it's made no difference. The new network Apple Network b73829 is still present alongside Wireless LAN.
I can only access Time Capsule if I switch to the new network, with the resulting loss of internet access from my Powerbook and, if I switch back to Wireless LAN I regain internet access but cannot see Time Capsule.
Although I just want to use Time Capsule to back up I have tried to connect it to my wireless LAN using the Join Existing Network on Airport Utility (even though I've been told I don't need to do this for Time Machine) but it has failed each time. After entering the password and wireless password information etc. and pressing update the Time Capsule device does re-start but there is ALWAYS an error message that says the device cannot be found and I should check that I am close to it (it's 3 feet away) or I should connect via Ethernet. If I connect via Ethernet it seems to disable the wireless functionality that I bought the device for.

Benefits of Time Capsule on existing wireless network

I have a generation 1 time capsule that I have never used. Recently, since purchasing an apple tv and ipad, while also have multiple PCs running on my network, I thought I should retire my old netgear (IEEE™ 802.11 b/g 2.4 GHz) and replace it with my time capsule as the main wireless router to support all my network traffic.
I was thinking should I just use my time capsule as an extended base station to my network? I live in an apartment and don't need to extend my range so I'm not sure what the point of that would be??
And can you have the time capsule as an additional base station to just handle n-band traffic? How will my apple tv and ipad know what to talk to if both routers are near?
Any advice?

I read from an apple support guide that "Adding Wi-Fi base stations when it is unnecessary can reduce Wi-Fi throughput because the Wi-Fi network will require more data management overhead.
All this is saying is that if you have 2 Apple wireless devices both configured the same way and they are too close together, it's possible that interference may slow down the connection just a bit.
This is not your situation at all. You are using different devices, configured differently to provide two different networks. If anything, performance will improve because the "n" devices will be using one network and the other devices another. It's like having a dual band wireless router.
Message was edited by: Bob Timmons

Since I've upgraded to Maverick the airpot utility does not recognise that there is a time capsule on the wireless network. I can see the TC using the air port utility on my iPhone5 and on my iPad. What am I doing wrong on my macbook?

Since I've upgraded to Maverick on my Macbook Pro the airpot utility does not recognise that there is a time capsule on the wireless network. I can see the TC using the air port utility on my iPhone5 and on my iPad. What am I doing wrong on my macbook?

I have over 250G backed up and I really don't want to reset everything and start again.
Not sure what you mean here.
A reset will not affect any of the data on the Time Capsule hard drive. You would have to perform a completely separate and very deliberate Erase Disk operation for that to occur.
I'm not recommending that you perform a default reset, but it is an option if there is really nothing else to try.
I don't know if what you are seeing is a Mavericks issue or not, since I refuse to use any new software until at least the first major update with fixes comes along.
Another user may be able to offer more input on Mavericks.

I have a 1 TB Time Capsule on a wireless network with my iMac and my wife's MacBook Pro. The TC is almost full. What is the best way/device to increase storage capacity?

I have a 1 TB Time Capsule on a wireless network with my iMac and my wife's MacBook Pro. The TC is almost full. What is the best way/device to increase storage capacity?

Replace the Time Capsule with one that has a larger hard drive. Or erase the one you have and start a new set of backups or backup one of the computers to a different backup drive.

Can time capsule boost the wireless network without beeing connected with cabel, hence wirelessly?

Can time capsule boost the wireless network without beeing connected with cabel, hence wirelessly?

Yes, providing that the wireless network has been created by another Apple "n" router.
The "extend a wireless network" feature on the Time Capsule is not compatible with devices from other manufacturers.

MacBook Pro cannot locate Time Capsule on Verizon Wireless Network

Here's what I have: both my MacBook Pro and my Time Capsule are connected to the same wireless network. (I used the "join an existing wireless network" on the Time Capsule.) But when I go to back up, it says the disk is unavailable. And when I open the Airport Utility, I don't see my Time Capsule. Any ideas?

Welcome to the discussions!
It can be a tricky proposition to configure the Time Capsule (TC) to "join" another wireless network because the settings on the TC and network must match exactly.
Try temporarily connecting an ethernet cable from your computer to the one of the LAN <-> ports on the TC to see if that will allow AirPort Utility to "see" the TC.
If this does not work after a few tries, you'll need to "hard reset" the TC by holding in the reset button until the amber light blinks more quickly. Keep holding a few more seconds and then release.
Open AirPort Utility up and it should find the TC. Try the following setup:
Click Manual Setup
Click the Time Capsule tab below the icons to assign a name, device password and adjust Time Zone settings, etc.
Click the Wireless tab
Wireless Mode = Join a wireless network. If you don't see this choice, hold down the option key on your Mac while you click on the selection box
Wireless Network Name = Exact name of your Verizon wireless network
Wireless Security = Exact same setting that your Verizon router is using. This is where almost all "join" errors occur because the settings don't match exactly. Even when they do, there can sometimes be problems.
Wireless Password = Same password as your Verizon wireless network
Verify Password
Click Update. Close AirPort Utility. The TC should restart in 15-20 seconds and you should have a green light. Log onto your Verizon wireless network and you should be able to "see" the TC now. To confirm, open Macintosh HD and look for the Time Capsule icon under the SHARED heading on the left side of the window.
If the TC is located close to your Verizon router, it is easier (and more reliable) to configure the TC to connect that way, rather than using wireless. You'll still be able to perform backups over your regular Verizon network. Post back if this is an option for you and we can go over this type of setup.

Connect Time Capsule to existing wifi network

Hi,
I've just moved into an apartment which supplies a wifi connection. I have several devices and want to create my own internal network but using the supplied wifi. There isn't a router to connect the TC to so is it possible to connect the TC to the existing WiFi and then create a network which my other devices can connect to?

is it possible to connect the TC to the existing WiFi and then create a network which my other devices can connect to?
No, not unless you add another hardware device like an AirPort Express that will first "join" the existing wireless network and then provide an Ethernet connection to the Time Capsule, which will create the wireless network.
This is an "iffy" type of setup in that it may work in some installations and not others. The bottom line unfortunately is that you will not know if it will work in your home until you try it out in your home, so you might want to understand the store's return policies before you buy.

Airport Time Capsule to join wireless network

Hi there,
I just bought a new Airport Time Capsule 2 TB because my old one suddenly died. I just can't join my existing wlan network, it won't find it in the settings. I use a Macbook pro with the latest OS, a D Link router/modem AC1750, a Windows laptop and Iphone 6. All are connected to the D link router without problem but I can't get the Time capsule to work with it. Any help and advice would be appreciated!
Thank you
Michael

It used to be possible to configure the Time Capsule to "join" an existing wireless network, but Apple took away that feature several years ago when the Lion operating system was introduced.
The only exception to this would be if the Time Capsule is extending an existing network provided by another Apple router.
You will need to connect the Time Capsule to one of the Ethernet ports on your D-Link router using a permanent wired Ethernet cable connection, as the Setup Guide illustrates.

Using Time Capsule with existing wireless router

I am thinking about getting a TC, but I wanted to know if the following configuration would work:
DSL modem to existing wireless B router. Then have the TC recieve internet from the existing wireless router.
Basically I want to put the old router in the basement where the only wiring is, but put the TC upstairs on my desk so I can connect the printer to it.
Thanks!

Although, you can join an existing network using a Time Capsule as a wireless client, it’s recommended that the existing network is an 802.11n network.

About connecting my time capsule to a wireless network

I have bought a time capsule but as my place isn't ethernet-able, how can I use the time capsule as a "wifi acceptor" to connect with my wireless network, and then boardcasting wifi signal to my devices? I have tried the extending a network option, after it restarted and I can't even search any base stations. Can anyone suggest me a solution to that? I really need to do so although I know that this isn't a purpose of using the timecapsule. In other words I'm trying to make the time capsule as a wireless modem to connect to another wireless network, in the mean time boardcasting wifi signal to my devices.
Thanks guys.

how can I use the time capsule as a "wifi acceptor" to connect with my wireless network, and then boardcasting wifi signal to my devices?
Unfortunately, this is not possible.
In order to broadcast a wireless network with Internet access, the Time Capsule must be provided with a wired Ethernet connection at its WAN "O" port.
Check wtih your Internet Service Provider to see if they have an adapter or other device that will provide a wired Ethernet connection to the Time Capsule.

Time Capsule on Existing Wireless Network

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