HT201510: Setting up Time Capsule for the first time

Learn about Setting up Time Capsule for the first time
Coop3842
Level 1 (5 points)
Notebooks

Q: Setting up the 3TB Time Capsule

The instructions for setting up the 3TB time capsule call for the creation of a new network. Does this mean a new WiFi network? I currently have a WiFi network in the house. I also have a Porsche LaCie 2TB external HD which has been acting up and want to possible eliminate it and use the 3TB TC as a replacement.

To add a level of confusion, I also have a separate Netgear N300 wireless router and a Motorola Surfboard eXtreme cable modem. My question(s), is there a simple method to hook up my new 3TB TC to this network or do I create a whole new WiFi network and eliminate some of my current hardware?

Help will be much appreciated.

Thanks!!

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.7), null

Posted on Aug 2, 2015 7:30 PM

by Bob Timmons,Solvedanswer
Bob Timmons Bob Timmons
Level 10 (105,183 points)
Wireless
A:

I assume that the Time Capsule is still new, with factory default settings.

 

Connect an Ethernet cable from one of the LAN <--> ports on the Netgear router to the WAN "O" port on the Time Capsule.

 

Click the WiFi icon a the top of the Mac's screen

Click on Time Capsule under the listing of New AirPort Base Station

 

That will get the setup "wizard" running. It will take a minute to analyze the network, then display a window that looks like this, except that you will see a Time Capsule on your screen

Uverse - Fios Setup.png

 

Network Name..............Type in a short simple name that you want to call the wireless network

Base Station.................Type in a name that you want to call the Time Capsule

Password......................Type in a password that will be used for both the wireless and base station

Verify............................Type in the password again to confirm

Click Next

 

The wizard will set up everything for you. When you see the message of Setup Complete, click Done and close the AirPort Utility window.

 

That's it. Now you should be able to select the name of the network that you named and enter the password to connect.

Posted on Aug 4, 2015 8:39 PM

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Coop3842

Q: Setting up the 3TB Time Capsule

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  • Helpful answers

  • by LaPastenague,

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Aug 2, 2015 8:06 PM in response to Coop3842
    Level 9 (52,655 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 2, 2015 8:06 PM in response to Coop3842
    Motorola Surfboard eXtreme cable modem.

    What model is this?

     

    The apple routers are not happy with SB6121 or SB6141 or some of the modem router models as well.

     

    However you can try plugging the TC directly into the modem by ethernet LAN to WAN TC.. and run the setup wizard in the airport utility. If you have issues.. put the netgear back into play and plug the TC into that.. it will work fine then in bridge and create a wireless network.. you can either run both wireless networks or turn off the netgear one.. that is totally up to you..

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Aug 3, 2015 2:47 AM in response to Coop3842
    Level 10 (105,183 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 3, 2015 2:47 AM in response to Coop3842

    What is it that you want to do on your network?

     

    Is it that you want to have everything continue to work "as is" right now, and simply add your Time Capsule to function as a back up hard drive?

    or

    Do you want the Time Capsule to provide a wireless network and back up function....and you then plan to turn off the wireless on the Negear router?

    or

    Do you want both the Time Capsule and your Netgear router to provide wireless networks while the Time Capsule also functions as a back up hard drive?

  • by Coop3842,

    Coop3842 Coop3842 Aug 3, 2015 5:06 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Notebooks
    Aug 3, 2015 5:06 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    Bob:

    Thanks for the response. Your questions raise some issues that I am not qualified to answer.

    My current WiFi setup functions well as is. My Porsche CaCie backup however has a questionable reliability issue. That said, I purchased the 3TB Time Capsule as a new backup. Reading the setup doc. I realize that the Time Capsule can be used as a Wireless WiFi network as well as a wireless backup. There lies my dilemma. I have no qualms about changing my setup to simplify matter if that's the best approach. So, I am open to any and all suggestions on the best setup method for a new? wireless WiFi/backup network. Hope this is clear.

    I appreciate any help.

  • by Coop3842,

    Coop3842 Coop3842 Aug 4, 2015 5:57 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Notebooks
    Aug 4, 2015 5:57 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    Bob, I believe the simplest approach is option 2...using the TC as my backup and wifi network. I can shut down the Motorola router when my setup is complete.

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Aug 4, 2015 8:17 PM in response to Coop3842
    Level 10 (105,183 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 4, 2015 8:17 PM in response to Coop3842

    The easiest setup would be to have the TC connect to the Netgear router and you can decide which wireless you want to use at a later time.

     

    Is your iMac still using the (10.6.7) operating system as you indicate in your profile?  Or, is it using a more recent operating system like Mountain Lion, Mavericks, or Yosemite?

  • by Coop3842,

    Coop3842 Coop3842 Aug 4, 2015 8:31 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Notebooks
    Aug 4, 2015 8:31 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    I am running Yosemite 10.10.4.

  • by Bob Timmons,Solvedanswer

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Aug 4, 2015 8:39 PM in response to Coop3842
    Level 10 (105,183 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 4, 2015 8:39 PM in response to Coop3842

    I assume that the Time Capsule is still new, with factory default settings.

     

    Connect an Ethernet cable from one of the LAN <--> ports on the Netgear router to the WAN "O" port on the Time Capsule.

     

    Click the WiFi icon a the top of the Mac's screen

    Click on Time Capsule under the listing of New AirPort Base Station

     

    That will get the setup "wizard" running. It will take a minute to analyze the network, then display a window that looks like this, except that you will see a Time Capsule on your screen

    Uverse - Fios Setup.png

     

    Network Name..............Type in a short simple name that you want to call the wireless network

    Base Station.................Type in a name that you want to call the Time Capsule

    Password......................Type in a password that will be used for both the wireless and base station

    Verify............................Type in the password again to confirm

    Click Next

     

    The wizard will set up everything for you. When you see the message of Setup Complete, click Done and close the AirPort Utility window.

     

    That's it. Now you should be able to select the name of the network that you named and enter the password to connect.

  • by Coop3842,

    Coop3842 Coop3842 Aug 5, 2015 8:36 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Notebooks
    Aug 5, 2015 8:36 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    I appreciate the information. I really do!!! Had some issues connecting through my Motorola Surfboard SB6120 modern but have worked through them (I think). Thanks again for all the help.