Time capsule works as wireless router, but intermittently stops backing up because it is not recognized

So here is the scenario. I just purchased a new 2T Time Capsule about a month ago. At some point, about a week ago it stopped working correctly. A few things that I've noticed:
1. The wireless router works just fine.
2. Every once in a while (more often than not) my computer (Mac book pro) will not recognize the time capsule and it will therefore not do it's wireless backup. I can no longer use it to store data.
3. What works? Unplugging the time capsule for about 20 seconds and then reconnecting seems to fix the problem, but will then the same problem will recur spontaneously.
4. Sometimes, I'll restart my computer and that will fix the problem, but again time capsule will drop off from the shared devices.
5. Interestingly, when TC is not recognized by my mac book, the Home Sharing feature of Apple TV also is rendered non-functional.
Any ideas? is it a hardware issue? If so, is it my Mac book or my TC or both?
Thanks for your advice in advance

I have seen a few posts on this one and the issue is very likely to be the way Auto channel changes take place.. for some unknown reason, the wireless can still connect as a router but the arp address is lost in the ARP table on the computer. So open a terminal and type arp -a soon after a TC restart when TM can see it.. you will see the TC MAC address listed. Once the TC is no longer recognised again do arp -a and you will find the TC is no longer listed. It is possible to force a static listing to the ARP table, but it seems to be much easier and better to simply lock the wireless channel.
Using the airport utility go to the TC setup and open the wireless area. Airport on the top menu.. wireless on the tab under that. where it says radio channel selection change to manual.. give it a fixed channel, for 2.4ghz it is best to pick the least used channel and you will need to use some site survey software to do this.. kismet, inssider for pc is superior to most Mac utilities at the moment. There are only 3 non overlapping channels 1, 6, 11 (12,13 outside USA). Pick one. I would also give a separate name to 5ghz wireless so it doesn't switch between the two.. that means you will have to change manually if signal drops out as it does more readily on 5ghz. The locking of channels seems to help the Mac not lose the MAC address in arp..though the actual mechanism is unknown to me.

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Time Capsule and FiOS wireless router

Can I connect the Time Capsule to my FiOS router and then disable the wifi feature on the FiOS router?

Are there any known issues with the TC in general, particularly from the wifi perspective?
TC is much better than it was.. make sure you keep it cool.. place it up from the bench on a couple of pencils.. that stuff about conductive rubber.. ignore it.. rubber in all its forms is an insulator and holds in heat. If it does start running really hot.. it has a fault and you should take it back.. Same with hard disk.. they occasionally go bad.. so backup to it.. fine.. storing files on it.. no don't do it.
Remember it is covered under your computer applecare.. so if you have any computer with extended applecare it will cover TC with certain conditions.. but that gives the TC effectively 3years warranty.. after that.. dispose of it and buy a new one.. the TC is not going to be reliable as the hard disk has been starting and stopping multiple times every day for 3years.. just don't trust them.
Wireless is ok.. I don't think it is particularly good range wise. Although Apple said how much better it was than previous Generations.. I have had all 4 now.. and performance in my experience was line ball between all of them. Apple design their routers to work very well with AEBS or AEx so if you want to extend wireless it is simple.. just it doesn't work with any other brand.. apple now reflecting a rather dark empire tendency.. they used to critize in others.
Clarification question...how do I backup my current files on the Lacie to the TC? Would that simply be connecting the two devices via USB and copying over?
Backing up TM files?? Not a good idea.. TM works differently on local disks and network disks.. and TC is best left to do its own stuff. If you mean moving actual file storage.. don't. The TC is not a file store.. it is a backup target.. TC has no way to back itself up.. and TM cannot backup a network drive .. so you would have to buy 3rd party software anyway.
Also USB on the TC is purely for printer and USB connected disk.. but you cannot directly copy from one to the other.. it would have to copy over network to the computer and then back to the TC.. it will be 2x to 4x faster if you do want to copy files to use Lacie plugged into the computer.. and copy to the TC. At least files are only going one way.

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.

Setting up Time Capsule as primary wireless router and enabling port forwarding

I am attempting to setup my Time Capsule as the primary router on my wireless network. I have an Actiontec Verizon FIOS router that I am connecting the TC to using ethernet, and I was then going to turn off the wireless function on the Verizon router so that the TC will be the only wireless router. I am not exactly sure how to go about this, and I also have to connect a wireless device to the TC that requires a static IP address and port forwarding enabled so that I can access from my iPhone. I am completely lost on how to do this, any help will be greatly appreciated.

Unless Verizon has made a major change in the last few days, you will not be able to use the TC as the primary router......simply because it is not possible to configure the Verizon router to act as a simple modem......which is what it must do if you want to have the TC act as the primary router on your network.
As LaPastenague has explained. turning off the wireless on the Verizon modem/router will not make it a modem. It will still be a wired modem/router in charge of the network, not allowing the Time Capsule to take over the role of main router for the network.
But, let's assume that I am wrong. Please check with Verizon support and ask them........
1) If it is somehow now possible to configure their modem/router to act as a simple bridge mode modem. If they say that this is not possible (or they will not support this).....
2) Ask them if they can provide you with a simple, bridge mode modem......instead of the modem/router that you have now. A simple modem will have only one Ethernet port, and it will not offer any type of routing or wireless service at all.)

Using Time Capsule with 2nd wireless router

Hi,
I have been trying to extend my time capsule and have had limited luck.
I have my time capsule in my office which is a separate building behind my house. The cable internet service runs to this location. I purchased an airport express and put that in the house so we would have wireless access in the house. I have tried every location available in the house and it is still really slow. (I get a transmit rate of 270 in the office. In the house it ranges from 7 to 20).
So, I was thinking maybe I could run a 30ft or so ethernet cable from the time capsule to another wireless n router in the house. So when out in the office I would connect to the TC and in the house to the Linksys (or whatever I buy). My question: would this even work? Can I have 2 wireless routers and would the Linksys work if it was connected via ethernet to the timecapsule vs. being connected directly to the cable modem?
Alternatively, can you connect 2 cable modems to one incoming cable line if I could find another cable modem somewhere?

Sure, happy to help.
Temporarily, move the Express close to your computer and connect an ethernet cable from your computer to the Express for the configuration.
Open Macintosh HD > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility
Select your AirPort Express and click Manual Setup
Click the Wireless tab below the row of icons
Wireless Mode...set to Create a wireless network
Wireless Network Name...Exact same name as your Time Capsule network
Radio Mode....802.11n (802.11b/g compatible) would be a good choice
Wireless Channel...Automatic
Wireless Security....Exact same setting as your Time Capsule network
Wireless Password....Exact same setting as your Time Capsule network
Wireless
Click the Internet icon
Look for the setting for Connection Sharing at the bottom of the page and set this to "Off (Bridge Mode)"
Click Update at the lower right of the window and close AirPort Utility immediately and disconnect the ethernet cable as soon as you see the message that your settings have been stored.
You can now move the Express to the location you need and connect the ethernet cable and power it up.

Setting up time capsule with existing wireless router and another time capsule

Hello,
I just bought my first mac (MBP) and a time capsule. We already have a wireless router, and my brother has an imac and his time capsule connected to it. The apple support people said that i couldn't use my new time capsule as a backup for my files because it would have to be in bridge mode and that would cause all sorts of problems and the backup would probably fail. That I would have to use my brother's time capsule to back up my files.
Is this true?? I find it hard to believe this issue hasn;t come up before.
Thanks,
Deborah

Thanks, Bob! If I may impose on you a little bit more, would you be able to guide me a little bit in terms of the setup?
Would I need to connect my time capsule directly to the router for first time set up?
If so, would I have to keep it connected to the router all the time after the first time set up, or can I keep it in another room?
Our wireless network was created back when we were a Windows household, so we still control it using Network Magic on an old laptop.
I unlocked the network (using Network Magic) when I tried to set up the Time Capsule (wirelessly, and before calling Apple), and after entering the network password my macbook recognized the TC and I got the good little green light on the TC. As soon as I locked up the network, I got the flashing amber light on the TC and airport utility couldn't find it anymore (using Airport utility version 6.1)... I unlocked the network again, the light turned green. I locked it back up, the light started flashing amber again...
Thanks, I really appreciate your help!
Deborah

We use a time capsule as the wireless router for our house. We cannot get service to the whole house. Is there anyway to boost the signal?

We use a 2TB Time Capsule as our wireless airport for the whole house but we can't get the signal to all rooms. Is there anyway to boost the signal?

You to purchase an extreme or express and use it as wrieless extender.. that is the only way Apple provided for boosting the signal.

How do I setup my Time Capsule as a wireless router?

I bougt a Time Capsule and installed on an existing network to run backup for my Mac. I got it to work succesfully, but.
Now I have moved, and need to use it as a wireless router and still keep running backup.
How do I do this?
Thanks

but I need a modem and connect it to the Time Capsule?
Yes. You need to contact an Internet service provider who will set things up for you and provide you with a modem.

Time Capsule works as a router, not as a back-up drive?

Hey all,
I have a new (bought it the end of August) MBP and Time Capsule. I didn't set the TC up until about a month ago (I had another back-up drive, my roommates had a wireless set-up when I moved in), but the old router we had was terrible so now we're using my TC as a router. It works fine, internet connectivity is good.
My problem is that I can no longer connect to do back-ups. My back-ups were working fine, but I just got a notice from Time Machine that it's been ten days since a back-up was performed. I can't connect to the TC in Airport Utility at all. I tried an ethernet connection and I tried my older MBP and, in both cases, I got an endlessly long span of "Reading Time Capsule Configuration" and then an error message telling me to make sure I'm in range or connected via ethernet (like I said, did that and it's definitely "connected via ethernet.")
I'm wondering if anyone can explain this / help me troubleshoot. I don't want to unplug / reset the TC until I'm sure what might happen and what I'm going to do - my roommates and I depend on the wireless, obviously, so I want to at least check with them to see if we have a back-up router before I play around.

Exactly how is the TC connected to the rest of the network.. particularly the modem.. is the TC functioning really as the router or just Wireless Access point?? Did you set it up? What IP is the TC and can you ping it?
If the ping fails, then tell us
What IP is the computer and did you change the IP of the TC?
If the TC cannot be seen by airport utility.. try just rebooting the TC.. does it then become available??
If so your TC is suffering a common condition that may be made worse if you updated the firmware to 7.6.

Time capsule works for pc laptop, but can't connect new ipad?

Got my new ipad and find that I cannot connect it to the Time Capsule even though the Time Capsule connection works for a pc laptop. I tried my ereader which used to connect and also will not connect. I was on the phone for a couple hours with Apple Care, but now that it appears to be a Time Capsule problem they can't help. So frustrated, just want to get to my ipad! Thanks for any help. Please be gentle, as I need plain talk, I'm not that tech savvy.

If you reset the router , it will come back to factory default settings and your laptop will get disconnected.
I think you need to check the wireless settings.
Open the setup page of the router. Go to Wireless tab. Check the network name. Go to Wireless security tab. Check the wireless security settings and make sure that you have the correct network key. Go to Wireless MAC filter sub tab and make sure that it is disabled.
Try to connect to the wireless network again on IPAD.

How do I use Time Capsule as a wireless router and turn my current one into modem only

I have a crappy modem/ router and before I purchase a new modem I want to use the modem (no wireless) feature of my router.
Question #1
How do I use my Time Capsule as a router?
Question #2
If I do this will I still be able to wirelessly back up to my Time Capsule?
Question #3
How do I turn off (wireless) or the router function of my modem/ router?
Question #4
I then want to connect all my wireless devices to my Time Capsule making that
the main WIFi in my house. I am assuming this is possible it is I just dont know how to go about doing this myslef without guidance, and the Airport Installer is confusing to me.
Thanks!

Question #1
How do I use my Time Capsule as a router?
Connect an Ethernet cable from one of the LAN <-> ports on your modem/router to the WAN port (circle of dots icon) on the Time Capsule.
Open AirPort Utility and click Continue to follow the guided setup to configure the Time Capsule to "create a wireless network". Select the "Bridge Mode" option when it appears during the setup. (AirPort Utility will normally do this for you)
Question #2
If I do this will I still be able to wirelessly back up to my Time Capsule?
Yes
Question #3
How do I turn off (wireless) or the router function of my modem/ router?
We prefer not to guess at things, but since we do not know the make and model number of your modem/router, and this is an Apple support area, we have little choice.
In general, you would enter the default IP address of the device into your browser to bring up the configuration pages (check your documentatio on the modem/router for this information, or it may be on the back or bottom of the device. An example of a default IP address is something like 192.168.1.254
There will be a wireless settings page that will allow you turn off the wireless function of the device.
If you acquired the modem/router from your service provider, they should be able to tell you how to do this as well, or if you check the manufacturer's website, they will likely have a support area for questions like this.
Question #4
I then want to connect all my wireless devices to my Time Capsule making that
the main WIFi in my house.
You will need to log on to the Time Capsule wireless network from each device and enter the password to connect. Most computers will "remember" the setting so that you do not have to enter the password each time that you connect.

My time capsule works with my laptop but not my iphones and states it has no internet connection even though it is working on my laptop.

I purchased a time capsule when I upgraded my iphone to the iphone 5 in November of 12. The time capsule was very easy to set up and both phones and the laptop worked great. In March of this year, the iphones would no longer connect to the time capsule network. When I would run the airport utility, I would see errors for no internet connection and no DNS servers. The funny thing is that my laptop would wirelessly connect to the internet through the time capsule. I am currently on my laptop now but my phones don't work. I am thinking that I updated software for both my phone and the time capsule so I tried reverting the software on the time capsule but it still gave me the same errors. If I hook the cable modem to my pc, it works, so I don't have an internet service provider issue. The issue seems to be with the airport device/time capsule. I have reset things to the factory default and didn't bother setting any password for the network but to no avail... If anyone knows what I can do to fix this, please assist... I am ready to give up on fixing it and revert back to my old wireless device. Thanks

Set it up with SMB compliant names.. that means, short, no spaces and pure alphanumeric.
Set a different name for 2.4ghz and 5ghz..
Set security to WPA2 personal with pure alphanumeric password.. 10-20 characters is usually plenty.
Set wireless channel for 2.4ghz to manual and try channels 11, 6, 1 in that order.

How to connect time capsule to existing wireless router

Hi
I am struggling to set up my time capsule is it possible to connect it to my existing wireless router or does the time capsule have to replace it as I have tried to do that but I cannot get a connection or signal to the WAN port?
I have the set up instructions but its not helping I am a complete novice at this.
Any help or links much appreciated

Yes you can.
Just plug the TC into one of the Ethernet ports on your router. WAN port on the TC.
Before you do that, set the TC up to be in 'bridge mode' in AirPort Utility.

Time capsule with Belkin wireless router

I have recently bought a Time Capsule (1TB) and have it set up with my existing Belkin router. This is a F5D9630-4 model which is only G+ MIMO so I've disabled the wireless capability on that and use the TC for wireless. At the moment the TC is in bridge mode allowing the Belkin to handle the DCHP stuff. Everything seems to work fine - I have a PC laptop and iPhone as well as the Mac and all communicate and connect to the internet with no problems.
However, I've just signed up for a MobileMe trial and hoped to try Back to My Mac. Unfortunately, I get a message saying it won't work because "Back to My Mac requires a router that supports NAT Port Mapping Protocol (NAT-PMP) or Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) in order to share services." What's strange is that both are enabled on my Belkin. Should I disable them and set up NAT on the TC or am I missing something else? Should it be the Belkin that is in bridge mode and the TC that handles the DCHP?
Anyone got any other ideas? I find it all very confusing having the two devices - if only apple did a TC with built in modem!

I have a similar set up and it works fine. Make sure your router is up to date and reboot it after enabling the UPNP option. I do get the green light at home with the similar setup.
At work, with the same exact setup, I don't get the green light, only the yellow one like you do. It does work anyway... so have you actually tried it from outside your network?

Can Time Capsule be the wireless router for my MacBook Pro and my iMac G5?

My MacBook Pro was simple to hook up to Time Capsule, but now my iMac G5 will not connect to the internet. Any ideas?

Hello bluefeather. Welcome to the Apple Discussions!
How do you have the iMac G5 connected to the Time Capsule (TC) ... by Ethernet or wirelessly? If wirelessly, try connecting via Ethernet ... can it access the Internet now? What version of OS X are you running on the iMac?

Time capsule works as wireless router, but intermittently stops backing up because it is not recognized

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