HT201510: Setting up Time Capsule for the first time

Learn about Setting up Time Capsule for the first time
RStrachan53

Q: AirPort Time Capsule set-up issues.

The initial set-up of my AirPort Time Capsule does not complete. The error message is "No configured AirPort base stations have been found".  I have connected the TC to the ISP modem/wireless router with an Ethernet cable.  The AirPort Utility has a green dot for Internet underneath the picture of the world.  When I check the status of the connection there is a yellow dot for "Internet Connection" and a yellow dot for "No DNS servers".  My reading found that this new TC should be set up as the primary base station if you are connected to an existing network.  I do not know how to do that.  It was also suggested that I disable the wireless radio on the ISP modem/wireless router instead of having two networks.  I have not done that yet as when I contacted the ISP techie he advised that I just set up two networks instead of turning off their wireless radio.  Any thoughts would be appreciated.     

Posted on Mar 21, 2014 11:04 AM

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Q: AirPort Time Capsule set-up issues.

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  • by LaPastenague,

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Mar 21, 2014 1:55 PM in response to RStrachan53
    Level 9 (52,715 points)
    Wireless
    Mar 21, 2014 1:55 PM in response to RStrachan53

    I agree with the Tech.. there is no need to turn off wireless in the ISP supplied modem router.

     

    Apple try to force your router to take over as main router but that is wrong. It should be bridged.. it is just that some router functions in the TC do not work in bridge.. 2 that I know of are BTMM and Guest Wireless.

     

    Often the best way around the problem is to take control of the setup yourself. I have recommended here when you run into this do the setup directly by ethernet.

     

    I have given a post with a full screenshots of how to do it.

     

    https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5800974?tstart=0

     

    Post if you run into troubles.

     

    Be as specific as possible about where you are hitting the issue.

     

    Model of TC and OS on the computer also help.

  • by Bob Timmons,Solvedanswer

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Mar 21, 2014 2:22 PM in response to RStrachan53
    Level 10 (105,268 points)
    Wireless
    Mar 21, 2014 2:22 PM in response to RStrachan53

    My reading found that this new TC should be set up as the primary base station if you are connected to an existing network

    That would not be correct. If the TC is set up as the primary base station, then it will be handing DHCP and NAT routing duties......when it should be in Bridge Mode, since you have another router "upstream" on the network that is already handling the same network services.

     

    The result is two devices both competing against each other trying to control the routing functions on your network, causing conflicts and other issues.....which likely explains your results. You only want one device doing this on a network.....which means that the TC should be setup in Bridge Mode on your network.

     

    It was also suggested that I disable the wireless radio on the ISP modem/wireless router instead of having two networks.

    There is usually no need to do this unless you find that there are interference issues being created between the networks. It won't hurt to turn off the wireless on the modem/router, but then again it may not help either. My advice would be to leave the network on at least for the present time, but your call on that one.

     

    I suggest that you start over and try the setup again on the TC.

     

    If you decide to do this, with the TC powered on, hold in the reset button on the back of the TC firmly for 10 seconds and release. Allow a full minute for the TC to restart to a slow, blinking amber light. If you have a new TC, the reset button is located to the right of the power cord port on the back of the TC.

     

    Connect an Ethernet cable from one of the LAN <--> ports on the modem/router to the WAN "O" port on the TC

     

    On your Mac, open Macintosh HD > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility

    Click the Other WiFi Devices button

    Click on Time Capsule

     

    Or, if you are using an iPhone or iPad for the setup....

    On the home screen, tap Settings

    Tap WiFi

    Under the heading of Setup a New AirPort Base Station, tap Time Capsule

     

    AirPort Utility will take a minute to analyze the connections and then suggest a setup. The window will look like the example below, except that you will see a Time Capsule icon.

     

     

    Uverse - Fios Setup.png

     

     

    Type in a name that you want to use for your TC wireless network

    Type in a device name that you want to call the TC

    Type in a password for the wireless network and device

    Verify the password

    Click Next

     

    The utility should configure everything for you in a minute or two. When you see the display indication of Setup Complete, click Done

     

    That should be all that you need to do.

     

    At this point, you should be able to locate the wireless network that you created on the TC, and enter the password to connect.

  • by RStrachan53,

    RStrachan53 RStrachan53 Mar 22, 2014 12:01 PM in response to RStrachan53
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 22, 2014 12:01 PM in response to RStrachan53

    Thanks to Bob.  The solution was as simple as connecting the Ethernet cable into the LAN slot of the modem/router instead of the WAN slot, as had been suggested in the Apple instructions.  I still connected the other end of the Ethernet cable into the WAN slot of the TC.  Thanks again.