HT204617: Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring an extended wireless network (802.11n)

Learn about Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring an extended wireless network (802.11n)
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HRibeiro

Q: Time Capsule wireless backup is OK, but can't use it to extend wireless network

My base router is a TP-Link TL-WR941ND. My new Time Capsule works just fine as a wireless backup device, but when I try to use it to "extend the network" everything crashes. Don't know how to configure bridge or DHCP options at "Network" menu. Any ideas??

Time Capsule, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2)

Posted on Mar 9, 2013 6:44 AM

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Q: Time Capsule wireless backup is OK, but can't use it to extend wireless network

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  • by Bob Timmons,Helpful

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Mar 9, 2013 6:58 AM in response to HRibeiro
    Level 10 (105,273 points)
    Wireless
    Mar 9, 2013 6:58 AM in response to HRibeiro

    The Apple routers.....AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule.....will only "extend" a wireless network....using wireless only.....when they are used with another Apple router. Another way of saying the same thing is that you must have 2 Apple routers if you want to "extend" the signal using wireless only.

     

    The Time Capsule can "join" the TP Link wireless network....but it will not provide any additional wireless coverage in this type of setup.

     

    By the way, you may not be aware that the Time Capsule "join" setting is not very efficient as far as making backups. The wireless signal has to make a "double hop" during backups.

     

    Hop one is from your computer to the main wireless router and hop two is from the wireless router back to the Time Capsule. Backups take twice as long this way and chances of an error are doubled.

     

    It would be much better if you could connect the Time Capsule using a wired Ethernet connection.

  • by HRibeiro,

    HRibeiro HRibeiro Mar 9, 2013 7:23 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 9, 2013 7:23 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    Would be good if Apple informed that before we acquire the device... Frustrating!

    Thanks !!

  • by HRibeiro,

    HRibeiro HRibeiro Mar 9, 2013 11:06 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 9, 2013 11:06 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    Bob, what about the other way around?  What if I configure Time Capsule as the base station, and the TL-WR941 as the extended station??

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Mar 9, 2013 11:11 AM in response to HRibeiro
    Level 10 (105,273 points)
    Wireless
    Mar 9, 2013 11:11 AM in response to HRibeiro

    Apple designed their "extend" function as a proprietary feature to only work with other Apple routers, so I would be extremely surprised if it worked, but no harm in trying if you have the time and inclination.