Time capsule wireless range = terrible

Just purchased my new time capsule (2011 model) there a couple of weeks ago, but i am noticing the range on it doesnt exceed outside my bedroom for the most part. It has less range then my Actiontec modem combo that came with Bell Aliant services.
Its set up standardly as it sets itself yp when you hook it up, i have not really done any settings changes.
I find the connection with randomly drop (it says connected but no web pages will open) and the range goes to a max of maybe 15-20 feet which seems rather terrible.
any helpful suggestions?
If you need to know any specifics let me know and ill do my best to supply such information
thanks
cheers

Are you using Mac? On the Mac, go to the dashboard, download and install a handy utility "Wireless Grapher".
You'll see the Network, Channel and signal strength from your connected router, as well as other Wi-Fi in collision and noise combined affecting your reception.
Also, if you're using one Airport device to extend the network of another Airport device, you have a choice to either extend the 2.4 GHz or the 5 GHz channel. Some tricks there.
e.g. I'm using one Airport Express to connect to the modem router, and connecting to a Time Capsule (ac) via 2.4 GHz. Then I have 5 GHz channel for a few Macs (requiring TM backups), and another Airport Express (extending the same Wi-Fi network) on 2.4 GHz for iPhones. I also have another 2 dual-band routers for Windows based computers, all to the modem router. Altogether I have 4 channels in use. They separate well and noise level is very low.
You may need to reset / swap the Airport Express base stations, and also the TC and see which one gives your bad signals. You may need 3 hours to fix it.

Similar Messages

Extend Time Capsule Wireless Range

I am having trouble with my Time Capsule's wireless range. I am not a networking expert by any means. I own an old building that is 4 stories connected by stairs with thick walls. All the rooms ethernet cables converge in a cubby on the 3rd floor. I placed my Time Capsule in the cubby, but I couldn't receive a wireless signal from the 1st floor. This is ironic because I have an old Netgear G router that sends signals throughout all 4 floors. So I bought an Airport Express to extend my network wirelessly, but the signal has been unstable perhaps because the Time Capsule's wireless signal is too weak. So I want to connect the Airport Express on the 1st floor using the Ethernet link from the 3rd floor Time Capsule which is my main router. From my research, I discovered about WDS networks, which I believe you have to use in order to create a network with multiple Apple base stations linked through ethernet.
I called Applecare who told me:
-To connect from Time Capsule to Airport Express using Ethernet, must use WDS network. Setup Airport Express as Relay, NOT Remote.
-Relay- Direct ethernet connection from Time Capsule to Airport Express, then wireless connection from Airport Express to Macbook.
-Remote- Wireless signal from Time Capsule to Airport Express, then direct Ethernet connection from Airport Express to Macbook
I have several questions for you wise people out there:
1. To extend the Time Capsule wireless network using the Airport Express, but connected directly via ethernet, do I need to setup a WDS network?
2. I prefer to just use the simple Apple settings "extend network wirelessly". Will this setting only boost a wireless signal received from the Time Capsule? Can it not extend a wireless signal sent directly from Ethernet?
3. I'm considering getting a Quickertek Triband antenna to place outside the cubby. Anyone have any experience with Airport external antennas?:
http://www.quickertek.com/products/timecapsuletriband.php
Any information would be much appreciated! These networking issues have been giving me months of headache.
Thank you!
Alexander
Specs:
Apple Time Capsule 1TB
Airport Express N version
Connected with 2.4ghz. band to N capable Macs.

Extending your network with an AirPort Express (AX) won't boost the TimeCapsule's (TC's) range per se. It will expand the network's range by adding another transceiver.
If you'd prefer to avoid using Ethernet to connect the TC and AX, you might get a better signal on the first floor if the AX was on the second floor, i.e, roughly halfway between the TC and the 1st-floor computer. [Extending the range of an 802.11n network|http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=AirPortUtility/5.1/en/ap21 24.html] describes how to configure them.
If an Ethernet linkup is no problem, though, that should work even better. In this case, it's best to use different (by 3 or more) channels on the 2 stations to reduce the chance that they'll interfere with each other.
Either way, it's best to use the same network name, network password, and encryption on both stations so you can roam freely through the building without needing to switch manually between them.
[Designing AirPort Networks 10.5-Windows manual|http://manuals.info.apple.com/enUS/Designing_AirPort_Networks10.5-Windows.pdf] is another good resource you may find helpful.

Time capsule wireless range is very poor & often weak

My TC has a very limited distance that it covers. S bad that I have 2 Airport Express for boosters/extenders to have most of my house covered (yes, a small portion of my house is still not covered). Is there something I have missed in settings restricting this? Also is constantly bouncing between weak, fair & excellent. This occurs most frequently when streaming movies from iTunes to Apple TV. Any help wld be appreciated.

Are you using Mac? On the Mac, go to the dashboard, download and install a handy utility "Wireless Grapher".
You'll see the Network, Channel and signal strength from your connected router, as well as other Wi-Fi in collision and noise combined affecting your reception.
Also, if you're using one Airport device to extend the network of another Airport device, you have a choice to either extend the 2.4 GHz or the 5 GHz channel. Some tricks there.
e.g. I'm using one Airport Express to connect to the modem router, and connecting to a Time Capsule (ac) via 2.4 GHz. Then I have 5 GHz channel for a few Macs (requiring TM backups), and another Airport Express (extending the same Wi-Fi network) on 2.4 GHz for iPhones. I also have another 2 dual-band routers for Windows based computers, all to the modem router. Altogether I have 4 channels in use. They separate well and noise level is very low.
You may need to reset / swap the Airport Express base stations, and also the TC and see which one gives your bad signals. You may need 3 hours to fix it.

Time Capsule Wireless Range Extended with AirPort Express

I recently was able to (finally) get my Time Capsule working with my previous 2WIRE modem/router (DSL through ATT). This took hours, but it was worth it! Time Capsule is now my primary router with it "bridged" with the 2WIRE device which is now only a modem. Back up is working fine with our three Apple laptops. However, the wireless signal is weaker than when it was set up with the 2WIRE alone. Our signal strength upstairs was weak making internet connection VERY slow and frustrating. I got an AirPort Express to see if I could use it to boost/extend the wireless signal from the Time Capsule unit. Set up was simple, and it is working great! I have it plugged into a wall outlet between the Time Capsule and the stairs leading upstairs. The wireless signal is now "full" everywhere in the house!

Wired Ethernet from the TC to the AirPort Extreme will result in much better performance. It sounds as if you are not configuring the AirPort Extreme correctly.
Please try the following steps carefully:
Unplug the Ethernet cable from the AirPort Exteme if it is not already unplugged. With the AirPort Extreme powered on, hold in the reset button on the Extreme for 10 seconds and release. Allow a full minute for the Extreme to restart
Connect the Ethernet cable to the WAN "O" port on the Extreme.
Click the AirPort icon at the top of the Mac's screen and wait a few seconds for a listing of New AirPort Base Station to appear. Just below that, click on AirPort Extreme.
The example below displays an AirPort Express. You will see AirPort Extreme.
AirPort Setup will open up automatically and take a minute to analyze the network, then announce that the Extreme will be configured to extend the Time Capsule network.
Enter a device name that you want to use for the Exterme and click Next
Wait a minute while AirPort Setup configures everything for you. When you see the message of Setup Complete, click Done.
That's it. Pretty simple. Things should be working fine now.

Have a 802.11n time capsule, the range of the wireless network has shrunk down to nothing over last few days. Used to be able to use wireless network anywhere in house, but now can only use in my office. Will not connect to iphones, ipad, itouch, or noteb

Have a 802.11n time capsule, the range of the wireless network has shrunk down to nothing over last few days. Used to be able to use wireless network anywhere in house, but now can only use in my office. Will not connect to iphones, ipad, itouch, or notebook. Worked fine last week, but over weekend just started having issues.

It is very possible that you may have some form of Wi-Fi interference that has appeared recently that is preventing your Time Capsule (TC) from providing a clean RF signal.
I suggest you perform a simple site survey, using utilities like iStumbler, or AirRadar to determine potential areas of interference, and then, try to either eliminate or significantly reduce them where possible. Look for other Wi-Fis that may be operating nearby. Note those with the strongest signals and which channels they are operating on ... then change the channel used by the TC to be at least 3-5 channels away.

New to Apple and Time Capsule Wireless

I am a new apple customer. I just bought my 1st iMac and I am trying to make the total break from MS.
I have mediacom as my ISP and my present wireless router is a Linksys WRT600n (purchased about 3 years ago). With this system I have had problems with coverage in my house as well as needing to reboot the device often.
The router is located in a 1st floor bedroom and I get spotty coverage in the living room and even more spotty service in the adjacent kitchen. The distances away from the router as the crow flies is 24 feet for the living room (involves 4 interior walls) plus 15 more feet (an another wall) to the kitchen. Since we use our wireless system more in our living room and our bedroom (this is only 12 feet away and 1 interior wall), I have decided to move the wireless router to the living room and place it on top of a entertainment center. My thinking is that it will provide better coverage to the areas where we use it (hoping to use Apple TV in both living room and bedroom).
This leads me to my question: what has been the experience of the time capsule community in regards to time capsule wireless coverage and reliability?
Also, please note that the iMac will be located in the same bedroom where I will be removing the current router and as such, the wireless backup capabilities of the time capsule will need to traverse the same 24 feet and 4 interior walls.
Any feedback will be most appreciated.
Harvey49

The reliability of the Apple Extreme is very good.. TC much less good. 3years is often a failure point for stuff that runs too hot. Like your WRT600N and the TC with its Green Drive and internal power supply.
On wireless range though I would say pretty ordinary. I have tested all the generations of the TC and most of the Extreme.. including Gen5. In my double storey house with an old G wireless modem router (downstairs extreme end).. right near the TC/AE whichever I am running.. from the other end of the house (upstairs) the old G wireless gives more than adequate signal to get full speed internet.. the TC does not.. And 5ghz goes pretty much to the next room and then disappears but that is as expected.
Use the tests here to find what give good range.
http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/lanwan/router-charts/bar/58-2_4-ghz-dn (you can change the chart to give speed in the worst location ie F http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/lanwan/router-charts/bar/58-2_4-ghz-dn?see=P_F
Airport extreme is there. Well down but there.

Time Capsule wireless speeds issue

I recently upgraded my internet service to a 16 Mbps cable modem service, and am thrilled with the speeds I'm getting when my iMac or MBP is directly connected to the Time Capsule by ethernet. When connected in this fashion, I can easily download at 2.0 MB/sec or more. On wireless, however, there is a discrepancy I cannot explain. Although the iMac and MBP can transfer data over wireless between each other at speeds of several MB/sec or more, when I try to download from the internet over the Time Capsule wireless I get only 200-400 KB/sec. Obviously there's nothing inherently limiting the wireless to those speeds, so I cannot explain it. Using one of the older 1 TB Time Capsules at 2.4 GHZ, 802.11n (b/g compatible - no option to change near as I can tell), WPA personal, and I have an Airport Express N at the other end of the house to extend the range. Any thoughts?

I'm sure this doesn't help you, but I think I have the exact opposite experience from you. When I connect to my Time Capsule with either ethernet or wifi, I can download from the internet at speeds of 14000Kbps, which is about 1.4MBps, I guess. For the LAN, if I'm connected via ethernet, I can get pretty phenomenal speeds. But if even one system is connected via AirPort, the speed drops to where I'm struggling to get 1KBps. It makes streaming to my AppleTV impossible - I need to decide a day early about any movies to watch. And syncing up iTunes between my desktop and laptop takes hours if done over WiFi as opposed to taking seconds if done over ethernet. So far I've found no option to select to speed things up. I hope you find an answer - maybe my problem is related to yours.
For changing to 802.11n only, I've never found a way that would work either.

My MBP doesn't remember my Time Capsule wireless network when waking from sleep

My MBP (OS 10.5.8) doesn't remember my Time Capsule wireless network when waking from sleep. Thus, every time my MBP wakes from sleep, I need to select the Airport icon in the upper menu bar, select "Join other network", enter SSID and password. This is very cumbersome. And, I never had this problem when I was using the ISP's provided wireless router/gateway/DSL modem. Adding the Time Capsule and using it to generate the wireless network has introduced this problem.
It appears that this problem has to do with the hidden SSID. I don't need the lecture on how hidden SSID provides no serious security benefit. That's why I have the WPA2 encryption. I'm interested in a solution that will allow the Time Capsule to generate the wireless network, maintain a hidden SSID, continue to use WPA2 encryption, but have my MBP recognzie and autoconnect to this network.
Solutions I've alread tried:
1. Open Network Preferences
2. Select Airport from left hand column (and ensure Airport is at top of that list)
3. Select Advanced
4. Delete all Preferred Networks.
5. Apply settings.
6. Restart computer
7. Return to Network Preferences and from Advanced page, manually add my network with hidden SSID and WPA2 password
This solution works fine as long as I don't take my computer elsewhere and connect to another network. As soon as my preferred networks list gets another network, my MBP stops finding my TC network. Since I take my laptop to a lot of places (it's a laptop, after all...) this is a problem.
As I say, prior to adding the TC on my network (and using it to generate the wireless network), my MBP had no problem keeping 50+ preferred network names/passwords in the Preferred Network list, but always automatically finding/connecting to my home network without the need to "Join other network." Thus, I assume the problem lies with the Time Capsule.
Any ideas?

LaPastenague, thanks for weighing in. Didn't know that the hidden SSID capability was not IEEE standardized, and thus different devices will handle hidden SSID differently. With my admittedly limited knowledge of how SSID/hidden SSID works, I'm still a little confused as to why my MBP would remember the generic router/gateway's hidden network, but struggle with the TC's hidden network.
To my knowledge, when an SSID is broadcast by a base station (Airport, wireless gateway, etc.), a connecting device (like a laptop, iPad, etc.) detects this broadcast--this would be a passive reception of this SSID signal.
When an SSID is hidden, the base station does not broadcast its identification. Rather, a connecting device must transmit the name, and when the base station recognizes the broadcast, the connection is made. That's what you do when you select "Join another network" and manually enter the SSID.
The idea with OS X's Network Preferences is that these steps, whether for hidden networks or broadcast SSIDs, become automated.
Where is the potential for a different chipset between the TC and the previously used wireless router/gateway to alter this functionality? Shouldn't the selection of an SSID by the MBP to broadcast to seek for a base station be a function solely on the MBP? And once broadcast by the MBP, the TC should detect and reply?
Basically, the MBP can connect to the hidden TC manually just fine. The MBP can connect to the old setup automatically just fine. The MBP cannot connect to the TC automatically. Aren't these automatic connection functions solely on the MBP?
I'll try un-hiding the network and re-verifying that the problem is exclusively with the hidden network.
Z

Can I copy my iTunes files and folders to Time Capsule wirelessly from my PC?

Can I copy my iTunes files and folders to Time Capsule wirelessly from my PC? I was wondering since my iTunes files and folders are connected to iTunes.

You can but the TC is the worst possible location. The design is slow to start and quick to stop data connections.. that will cause trouble.
Moving folders has specific instructions.
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1364
Move it to an external hard disk fine.. but be very sure you will not be happy with the TC as a location.

How to Sync iPhone/iPad with Time Capsule (wirelessly)

Hi - I am wondering if there is way to sync my iPhone or iDevices with Time Capsule wirelessly. Please let me know if there is and how?
Thanks in advance..

The iOS devices....iPhones, iPads, iPods, etc.....sync to iTunes on your computer or to iCloud.
See this Apple support document:
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1766
It is not possible to sync iOS devices directly to the Time Capsule.

How to integrate AT&T U-Verse with existing Time Capsule wireless network

I would like to switch from Comcast HDTV+Earthlink internet service to AT&T U-Verse, but it’s not clear to me how to integrate the AT&T system with our existing Time Capsule/wireless set-up. The TV (with cabled DVR) is in our family room; the Time Capsule, printer & iMac are in the study. Do I need to move the Time Capsule - so it is directly connected to the AT&T ‘gateway’ box via ethernet cable - or - can I just attach an Airport Express module to the modem/router box and leave the Time Capsule where it is? (I plan to turn off the wireless function on the AT&T device.)

No, we have a mix of 802.11g & 802.11n devises, so it looks like I will need to use the WDS option
Yes, this is your only option here.
can I 'create' a (Apple) WDS network rather than 'participate' in a (2Wire) network?
Maybe I am mistaken, but I sense that you may be thinking that you can somehow combine the 2 Wire and Apple networks together in a WDS setup. This is not possible since they are not compatible for this purpose.
You will configure the main Apple router to "participate in a WDS network". There is no other way to set it up if you want to use WDS. It will be configured as the "main base station" in the setup.
You could leave the 2Wire network "as is" and use it for guests or some other purpose. There is some concern though about having different networks in close proximity due to likely interference effects between the devices.
(2) Can I use an Airport Express device in 'relay' mode and also use it to stream AirTunes to the stereo?
Yes
I'm also wondering if the 2Wire device & the TC should have the same password and security (WPA2), so the NetQuakes seismograph in the garage can 'see' the internet through both devices. But perhaps a question for another day...
OK to use the same WPA2 Security, but having the same password for two distinct networks may cause some confusion.

Extending Gen 1 Time Capsule Wireless network with Airport Express N

I am having difficulty setting up my new Airport Express w/ 802.11N (SKU# MB321LL/A) to extend the wireless network from my Time Capsule (SKU# MB276LL/A).
My setup is as follows:
Time Capsule is connected to Cable modem with the following wireless settings:
Wireless mode -> Create a Wireless Network
Allow this network to be extended -> Checked
Radio Mode ->802.11n (5Ghz N only)
Wireless Security -> WPA2 Personal
The issue is the when I attempt to setup the AE to extend the network. I match the settings to the Time Capsule:
Wireless Mode -> Extend a Network
Select the Time Capsule Network
Allow wireless clients -> Checked
Wireless Security -> WPA2 Personal
However after I reset the AE the LED glows Amber and the following problem is reported:
+Wireless Network+
+This AirPort wireless device is set up to join a specific wireless network that can't be found. If you don't see the network that you want to join in the Network Name Pop-up menu, enter the network name and network password if necessary to try again.+
When I check the Airport->Wireless tab the settings were as before.
Any thoughts on this? Thanks.

Welcome to the discussions!
Have you tried to position the AirPort Express close, say 10-15 feet, as a test to see if it will connect that way?
If so, then move it back another 10-15 feet, etc.
5 GHz signals do not travel well or penetrate surfaces very well, so my first thought was that the signal was not strong enough for the Express to pick it up where you had it located.
Message was edited by: Bob Timmons

IPhone 4S Can't see Time Capsule Wireless after IO6 update

My iphone can't see my Time Capsule wireless network after upgrading to IO6. My iPad3 works fine after upgrade.
I determined that if I change settings on the TC to 802.11N(b/g) compatible it can see/connect.
Seems to be a problem with the 802.11 5GHz band that the iPhone can't see after the IOS6 update.
Not sure if this is the same issue that others are seeing but could be worth a try to change your router's radio config.
Hopefully Apple sorts this out soon.
Very annoying to upgrade and have existing networking break!!!!
Bad Karma and I just ordered 2 new iPhone 5's

Still having this issue - used to be able to connect prior to this update - The iPhone has no problem auto joining the local Cable WiFi - but still doesn't show the Time Capsule WiFi SSID's in the list. iPad and three other Macs see and can join the Time Capsule WiFi.

TS1550 Do external hard drives mounted on my Mac get backed up by time machine on a time capsule wireless Apple external back up disk? How can I see what folders have been actually stored in the wireless back up disk?

Do external hard drives mounted on my Mac get backed up by time machine on a time capsule wireless apple external hard disk? How can I see what folders have been actually backed up in the external wireless disk? any help would be appreciated

They can provided you remove them from the Exclude list. Normally, Time Machine does not automatically backup external drives.

Mac connects but PC won't connect to internet via TIme Capsule wireless net

I have my personal Mac and work PC at home. I'm switching from a wireless network using my airport extreme base station to a new time capsule. Had no problems earlier, but now with my new wireless network I have the following problem:
- Both Mac and PC are able to connect to my home wireless network created through Time Capsule
- Only Mac can access the internet via the Time Capsule wireless network
- PC connects fine to the wireless network, but the settings indicate the internet cannot be accessed
I've tried fiddling with configurations etc. but cannot seem to get the PC to connect through to the internet using my Time Capsule.
The PC will connect directly to the net if I plug in the ethernet from my cable modem....What's the problem? Any ideas?

Welcome to the discussions forum AZR-DC.
The PC will connect directly to the net if I plug in the ethernet from my cable modem...
Make it a habit to power down your modem whenever you connect something different to it. Merely detaching the AEBS and attaching your Time Capsule or your computer directly will confuse most modems, so leave it powered down for a few moments. Power down your other equipment while you're at it.
Then, power up all the equipment as follows:
Modem... wait a few moments for it to complete its startup sequence.
Time Capsule. Wait a few moments again.
Computers.
Be sure your PC and your Mac are getting their addresses "via DHCP".

Time capsule wireless range = terrible

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