Want to add Time Capsule to existing AEBS wireless network

I currently have a wireless network with Airport Extreme as the base. I have a Time Capsule that someone didn't want anymore and would like to use that ONLY for backup of my IMac (Using Time Machine). Is there a way to only use the hard drive part of Time Capsule without having it be used to create a wireless network?

Welcome to the discussions, fargodenny!
Is there a way to only use the hard drive part of Time Capsule without having it be used to create a wireless network?
Yes, you have a couple of options here.
1) Configure the TC to "join" the wireless network that the AirPort Extreme is providing. Backups will be over wireless only. The ethernet ports are not enabled in this type of setup, so you would not be able to use ethernet to backup.
2) Turn off the wireless on the TC and connect it to the AirPort Extreme using an ethernet cable. This would be the recommended way to set this up because you would have the option to backup using either ethernet or wireless.

Similar Messages

Connecting Time Capsule to existing Netgear wireless network

Hi, hope someone can help please?
Have a MacBook Pro and Time Capsule. Want to use TC just for wireless back up with Time Machine. I'm trying to connect it to my existing Netgear wireless network. I've been through the set up process with Airport Utility. It can find the TC on it's own default Apple network, but when I select add to existing network my Netgear network is not showing from the drop down menu (but my neighbours networks are). If I type it in and add it manually the TC restarts but just continues searching for network (flashing amber) and does not connect. I have administrated my Netgear router to allow access to the TC's airport ID and I can't think what else to try.
Can anyone help please?

Hmmm.
There are several IDs for the TC. AirPort IDs and an ethernet or MAC address.
If you have a dual band TC, there are separate AirPort IDs for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. I'm not sure if the TC can join another manufacturer's network at 5 GHz, but it should be able to join at 2.4 GHz.
Is that what you entered? If you entered this ID and it does not connect, then try the MAC address of the Time Capsule. I don't have one handy at the moment, but I'm pretty sure the MAC address is on the bottom of the device. The AirPort ID should be there as well.
Message was edited by: Bob Timmons

Should I create a new Wi Fi network or add Time Capsule to existing Wi FI network

I decided to buy a 3 TB Time Capsule rather than have a bunch of USB drives connected to my iMac (2010 3.2 GHz i3 running ML). I’ve noticed that when I have 3 USB drives connected, one always fails to mount.
I have a Netgear CG3100 Cable Modem on Telstra’s network.
The TC (located in a entertainment unit downstairs) connects to the Cable Modem via Ethernet (located upstairs).
Under ‘AirPort Utility’ Network menu, the Router Mode is: Off (Bridge Mode). This creates two Wi Fi networks (Netgear creates a Wireless-N network plus the TC network). I’m running AirPort Utility version 7.6.3.
Is this environment the ideal setup – Bridge Mode? Running ‘Speedtest.Net’ via my iPhone, both Wi Fi networks offered up to 30 Mbps. Although, I’ve noticed TM on some occasions to be significantly slower (maybe due Time Machine syncing via Ethernet???).
The following devices attach to the Network;
via Ethernet to Cable Modem, iMac, Ethernet Switch (for TV, Apple TV and Amp), TC (running off ports are TV, Apple TV and Amp) and,
via Wi Fi; iPads, iPhones, MacBook Pro and Windows laptop.
Network is used for all the usual stuff including Apple TV, Skype and VPN.
Ideally I don’t want to have to switch between the two Wi Fi networks. As the Cable Modem and TC are in different locations, one would expect the performance would vary depend on your proximity to each device. Ideally, you’d won’t to connect to the device with the best signal.
I’d appreciate any guidance on the best configuration for this environment.

I didn't roll back 5.6 but was able to get things working with Airport Utility7.6.3. I believe the problem may have been one of two things. The Wireless Settings for the Netgear CG310 had the following Security Option selected: WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PSK [AES].
So I selected just WPA2-PSK [AES] which matched the AirPort Utility Wireless Security option.
That appeared to fix the iMac. The MacBook Pro (MBP) still didn’t play ball. From the Network Preferences menu, I selected ‘Assist me’…re configured the wireless on the MBP. Followed the ‘Diagnostics…’ option ‘Choose network port configuration’ selecting WiFi…and that solved whatever voodoo was preventing the MBP from connecting to the WiFi network.
The 5GHz achieved a download speed of +60Mbps (speedtest.net), so I’m pretty happy with that!
The following images are now my setup so that my DSL/Cable Modem and TC have the same:
SSID
Security WPA2-PSK[AES]
Password
The TC Network Mode is 'Create a wireless networl'
The DSL/Cable Model is set to channel 1 and the TC is set to 11 for 2.4GHz and 36 fro 5GHz.
The TC Router Mode: Off (Bridge Mode)
Thanks LaPastenague & edex67for taking the time to assist me. I hope my experince will help others when they want to add a TC to their existing home network.

How do I add time capsule to existing network?

How do I add time capsule to existing network?

Ok.. I am still confused as an Express only has one ethernet for LAN not 4. So you perhaps have an extreme..
If you have an airport extreme.. plug the TC into the extreme with ethernet.. and set it up as bridge in router.
You can also create a wireless network that works alongside the extreme.. this is the best way.
It is also possible to setup the TC to extend the wireless of the extreme.. but this will make backups much slower.. at least half the speed if not worse.

Installing Time capsule with U-Verse Wireless Network

Hi all,
I am not a techy, but I get by. I am going to install the Time Capsule and I realized that I don't think this will work with my existing U-Verse Fiber wireless network. After some thought, I believe I should just use this for wireless backup and peripheral operations rather than the internet as my current wifi also operates the televisions in the house.
I'm hoping to get some guidance from the community as to how to use this device without having to purchase more equipment or re-wiring my entire home. Can I just plug it in and use it for wireless backup or will it interfere with my internet service (which I am happy with)?
Any thoughts?

Welcome to the discussions!
You are correct to allow your existing setup handle internet connections.
The simplest setup would be to configure your Time Capsule to "Join" the wireless network created by the U-Verse router. Your computers will be able to backup via wireless assuming that you have a good connection.
If your U-Verse router provides ethernet ports for devices (it likely does), you would also have the option of connecting the Time Capsule to the U-Verse router with an ethernet cable. This would make sense if the Time Capsule will be located near the U-Verse router as ethernet is both faster and more reliable than wireless.
Not to get too technical here, but if you connect the TC this way, you will set Connection Sharing on the TC for "Off (Bridge Mode)".
If you connect the Time Capsule via ethernet, you would also have the option to setup the Time Capsule to "create" its own wireless network. So, you would have two wireless networks available...one created by the U-Verse router and the other created by the Time Capsule.
If you have computers capable of wireless connections at "n" speeds, they could connect to the Time Capsule and your other "g" devices would connect to the U-Verse. In fact, if you purchase a new dual band TC, it will be capable of creating two wireless networks on its own.
So, you have a number of options available. Just depends on how simple or complex you want things to be.

Add time capsule to existing network to make subnetwork (two routers?)

We have a modem/router (motorola) provided by isp to connect to internet. Most devices connect to this wirelessly. We just purchased an Airport + Time Capsule to create a subnetwork (add to existing network via ethernet cable), so that only a few devices can wirelessly connect to Airport + Time capsule to store time machine back up and to wirelessly print to one printer connected by usb to Time Capsule. When I select "I want to add to existing network" the motorola only shows up as a wireless, can't see the wired option. I tested that the ethernet cable works and connected to one port on motorola and WAN on Time Capsule. How do I tell Airport + Time Capsule to connect to motorola modem/router via the ethernet cable? I think I want it to connect via cable because I don't want the Airport to replace the existing router, rather I want to end up with two routers (one for entire network, and second one just for subnetwork).
Thank you.

Ok, your question confused me with the airport and TC as if it is two things not one.
when I connect the ethernet cable to TC, why doesn't modem/router show up in connect to list? Or if wrong list, where should I look, to select, to get it to "see" what it is connected to by ethernet?
Are you using v6 in Lion utility? I am using SL with 5.5 utility. There is no such place that I can find. (You will do better downloading and using v5.6 for Lion anyway).
On the manual setup.. summary page it will show the IP you get on the WAN port. From default settings this will all work properly.. there is nothing you need to do.
Plug ethernet from modem router to TC wan port. When you do the TC will get an IP.
If you open the internet tab, you can see Connect using.. ethernet. Just leave that. and everything else on auto.
For connection sharing, you still need to share a public IP.. although TC will complain you are not using public but private IP.. there is nothing you can do about that. Just set the TC to ignore the error double NAT.
When I began installation, I plugged everything in, then plugged in power. I opened Airport Utility, and followed on-screen instructions, but when selecting "connect to existing network with ethernet cable" my modem/router doesn't appear in the list.
Do not use connect to existing network.. that will bridge the TC which you don't want.
You have to use the existing network as if it is public network. And stuff behind your TC is private.
If I set the TC to bridge mode, won't it "take over" all router activity, and the first group of computers won't be able to connect directly to motorola? (I don't want this first group of computers to be able to connect to the TC).
Also, I don't want the TC to connect to the motorola wirelessly.)
If you set the TC to bridge it will not route at all... it will become a client of the existing network. And all IP addresses will be taken from the Motorola.. you will have one flat network, which is what usually people want.
If you are still struggling.. do this.
1. Tell me the IP address the existing Motorola is passing to the clients. Your one big issues here is making sure they are in fact on two different subnets.
2. As long as condition of 1 is fulfulled this will work at default setting. Reset the TC by holding down the reset for 10sec.
Plug Lan motorola to WAN TC.
Plug a computer into the TC to do setup.
Set up as if you have public IP on wan. Tell TC to ignore double NAT.
Set wireless and TC names as you want.
Now test internet.. on a client computer on the TC. it should work fine. At least for everything that doesn't need interactive connection.
3. You can improve things by using DMZ in the Motorola to the TC. That alleviates at least some of the issues that arise with double NAT.

Can I just add Time Capsule to my AEBS Wi-Fi network without making it the main connection to my Internet modem?

Reason I ask: I have an AirPort Extreme that works great. I only want to use the Time Capsule to back up my wife's Macbook wirelessly. I don't want to go through the daylong hassle of trying to set up the Time Capsule as my base station and have to track down obscure networking data (by calling an AT&T tech person in the Philippines) and printer info and TCP/IP digits, MAC addresses, MAP vs. POP info, etc. etc.
So, can I just plug in the Time Capsule and "add" it to my current Wi-Fi arrangement? Then just open my wife's Macbook and choose the device on the network to back up to?
Thanks in advance for any tips. -- steven

So, can I just plug in the Time Capsule and "add" it to my current Wi-Fi arrangement?
Yes, you have the option to configure the Time Capsule to "join" your current wireless network, so backups will occur over wireless only. In this type of configuration, the Time Capsule really functions only as a wireless hard drive. It performs no routing functions at all.
One of the advantages of doing it this way is that the Time Capsule can be located wherever you want.....as long as it can receive a strong wireless signal from your main wireless router, of course.

Time Capsule with existing Roadrunner wireless modem/router?

My ISP is Roadrunner extreme, and the modem is also a router with built-in n wireless. I don't have admin access to the router so cannot disable the wireless. I would like to get a Time Capsule for wirelessly backing up mine and my wife's Macbooks (plugging drives into laptops is a pain).
I'm concerned by the apparent assumption that a Time Capsule will also serve as your router, though. As I said, we already have wireless and are pretty much stuck with that. Can the Time Capsule wireless router function be disabled, or ignored, and have it still function for wireless backups?
Thanks in advance.

...and this discussion seems to indicate I could also skip the ethernet and just have the TC join my existing wireless network.
That's an option. There's an upside and downside to every type of configuration. The upside is that you can have the Time Capsule physically removed from the same area where the router resides. The downsides are that the configuration can be difficult and frustrating unless you know exactly what type of security the Roadrunner wireless is using.
In other words, you have to "tell" the Time Capsule exactly how to join the wireless network provided by the Roadrunner router. If the settings are not exactly correct, you'll get nothing but repeated error messages. You have to start all over to try the configuration again each time there is an error. Since you said that you don't have "admin" privileges for the Roadrunner device, you may not be able to access the device to "see" the exact settings that you need.
The ethernet ports are not enabled on the Time Capsule when it is configured to "join" a wireless network, so you will not have an option to backup using ethernet if want to do so. Ethernet can be 4-5 times faster that wireless and comes in really handy for the first backup when Time Machine makes a complete copy of your computer.
Followup question as this will drive what TC I buy: I already have a WD 2TB USB drive I've been using for backups. Can I get away with buying a smaller/cheaper TC and plugging in the extra drive? Are there reasons that's not as good as just getting the 2TB TC?
You can connect the WD drive to the USB port on the Time Capsule. The drives must be formatted in Mac OS Extended (Journaled) if you plan to use Time Machine to backup. The main problem with changing locations of drives (I'm assuming that that you had the WD attached directly to a computer) is that Time Machine will want to make a new complete backup of the computer if you connect the drive to the USB port on the Time Capsule.
In other words, Time Machines treats backups to an "external drive" connected directly to a computer differently than it does backups to a "network drive" connected to the USB port on the Time Capsule. You won't be able to "continue" backups where you left off. Time Machine will start all over again.

HT1178 trying to make time capsule connect to a wireless network. How?

Hi! New mba, new time capsule. Trying to connect tc to existing wireless network. Can't find 'manual setup' or 'join wireless network', only 'extend wireless network', which results in the tc disappearing from my list of networks altogether. Help!

A TC is really not designed to join a wireless network and it is a really poor way to run it. It has always been a hidden option.. and now it is even harder to find.
For manual setup it is much easier to simply install 5.6 utility and then you can find and use TC any way you want. But please note the speed will be extraordinarily slow.. all packets will have to travel via the main router that supplies wifi.. to the TC.. you will lose all direct connection.
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 (now 6.2 if you updated) 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.
For screen shots see this post.
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4668746?tstart=0

Time Capsule not connecting to wireless network

Just bought shiny new iMac with shiny new Time Capsule (500G) and i'm ready to launch the whole lot out the window!!!
Despite my very best efforts i'm unable to connect my TC to my wireless network. Every time I use Airport Utility the TC recognises the wireless network, proceeds to change the settings normally, the TC then restarts and the bloody amber light flashes and the iMac cannot find the TC. I then have to reset the TC so the iMac can find it and the whole process starts all over again. I apologise if this topic has come up before but i'm at my wits end!!

Well, things in Paris, France a wee bit brighter but not much.
I managed initially to use TC via Ethernet connection (for my initial Mac system safeguard) as TC did not recognise or was not recognised by my Airport WiFi home network.
Now, after various attempts and properly configuring TC to "join" my existing network all lights are green and config seems "A" OK.
On the hour, wirelessly, TC starts doing its bit showing: under the Time Machine box's "Backing up" sub title: "Preparing" with a running blue/white bar..
A couple of hours later TC system stops advising me there was a "wireless connection interruption".
This has been going on for a few days now and, as far as I know, never has my Orange's LiveBox WiFi, ADSL, Router Modem suffered any interruption of service.
What to do or change??
Message was edited by: eellas

Can I use a Time Capsule to extend my wireless network.

Hi, I have just bought a 3TB time capsule as my old (flat style) 500GB TC is reaching full capacity. The old style TC will then be surplus to requirements as a data storage unit, at least for myself, though it might be useful for my son to use as his Time Capsule.
Ideally, as we have a wireless 'blind spot' out in the rear extension of the house, it would be useful to use the unit to extend my wireless network (and also use it as a separate TC if possible). Is this possible? If it is how would I go about it?
Hope someone can help . . . .
Cheers
John

Is it possible for you to consider connecting the Time Capsules together using a wired Ethernet connection?
Here is what Apple has to say in their support document about extending:
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. The network configuration also becomes more complex. In the case of a wirelessly extended network, throughput may be reduced to less than 60 percent of that of a single device. The general rule is to keep the Wi-Fi network as simple as possible. You can accomplish this by using the minimum number of Wi-Fi base stations required to service the physical network area and by using Ethernet wherever possible.
Extending the range of your Wi-Fi network by connecting Wi-Fi base stations together using Ethernet is always the best option, and will provide the best throughput.
Wi-Fi base stations: Extending the range of your wireless network by adding additional Wi-Fi base stations

Using Time Capsule to extend a wireless network

I have an office in the top of my house (2nd floor roof conversion) and as a result the wireless signal from the ground floor is very weak. i would like to boost the signal using my Time Capsule, placing it on the 1st floor, shortening the distance the signal has to travel.
Is this possible? In the AirPort settings I can seen an option to 'extend a wireless network using an ethernet cable' but if that is the only option I may as well just move my wireless home hub to the 1st floor.
Can the network be extended wirelessly?
many thanks!

Thanks for the clarification.
Unfortunately, the "extend a wireless network" feature of the AirPort Express is only compatible with an Apple base station.
Therefore, you will not be able to use the TC to extend the wireless network that has been created by the BT Home Hub. You might check to see if BT offers an "extension device" or "remote" that would allow you to expand your wireless signal.
The TC will need to be configured to "Join" the wireless network that you have there.

When I change the setting on my third generation time capsule to "extend a wireless network", the update fails. Why?

I purchased a new router. Everything is working great except for a third-generation time capsule which will not accept a change from join a wireless network to extend a wireless network as it did before. Does anyone know how to fix that?

You cannot extend a non-apple router..
So what new router did you buy?? If it don't have an Apple Symbol on it.. it aint gonna work.

HELP - Problems with Time Capsule when creating a wireless network

I am trying to change my current D-Link router for my TC (so that the TC creates the wireless network instead of the D-Link). However, when I connect the TC directly to the modem it states there is no internet connection?
Anyone have any ideas on how to resolve this?

Is the modem a router as well??
How is the dlink setup... is the modem adsl or cable?
If cable, did you reset the cable modem when you changed over. Power down and leave for 5min.. then power up again.. did the TC get the public IP on the wan interface .. use the airport utility to check.
If it fails wait longer time.. or contact cable company to reset the port.
If it is adsl modem router, or cable modem router
Bridge the TC.. go to the manual setup of airport utility, internet tab, connection sharing and select bridge.
If the dlink uses pppoe now, you can also use that setup.
We need more info... what broadband.. what modem.. what have you tried?
What is the current setup of the dlink?

If I add time capsule to my existing network will I be using the time capsules dualband network?

I already have a wireless network, and I want to be able to use time capsule for backups and it's dualband network. Would I be able to just add to existing network to get both of those features or would I have to create a whole new wireless network. Just to clarify on the setup, would I plug the time capsule into my router that's connected to the modem?
Sorry I'm very new at this.
Thank you,
Ferg

The Time Capsule is a router / hard drive only. It does not have a built in modem.
If your current "router" is really a gateway (combination modem / router on the same chassis), you will need to plug the Time Capsule into one of the ethernet ports on your "router" and configure the Time Capsule to "create a wireless network".
It's very important that you configure the Time Capsule in "Bridge Mode", if you connect it to your current router.
If on the other hand, you have a separate modem now and your router is connected to the modem, you could simply replace the old router with the Time Capsule.
Post back if you need more info.

Want to add Time Capsule to existing AEBS wireless network

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for