mik194254

Q: BT SmartHub with Airport Time Capsule

I have been using my Airport Extreme (Time Capsule) connected to a BT infinity Modem for some time this providing my wireless network and a large disc to be able to transfer data between iMac and MacBook pro (etc) (I dumped the Bt HomeHub 3 in favour of the Airport Extreme). Unfortunately I also had to provide a WiFi repeater downstairs to get full WiFi coverage across the house. I have just received a new BT SmartHub which is now giving me full coverage WiFi at exceptional speeds across the house (this also does away with the Infinity 2 Modem).

The problem I now have is that I cannot use the Time Capsule effectively as my NAS (or at least that is what appears to be the case). If I leave the time capsule switched on, its wireless network is visible as before but obviously I cannot use it as I have the BT wireless network providing Internet WiFi connectivity. So how do I connect the time capsule to my "new" network so that it is visible to both the iMac and the MacBook purely as a disc.

iMac (24-inch Early 2008), OS X El Capitan (10.11.2), 3.06 Ghz Core 2 Duo

Posted on Aug 3, 2016 8:19 AM

Close

Q: BT SmartHub with Airport Time Capsule

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Tesserax,Solvedanswer

    Tesserax Tesserax Aug 3, 2016 8:30 AM in response to mik194254
    Level 9 (54,427 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 3, 2016 8:30 AM in response to mik194254

    You have a couple of choices, both require that the Time Capsule (TC) remain connected to the new BT HomeHub by Ethernet:

    1. Reconfigure the TC as a bridge and disable its wireless radios.
    2. Reconfigure the TC as a bridge, and then, configure both the HomeHub and TC into a roaming network. This would make more sense if you needed to extend the HomeHub's wireless network.
  • by mik194254,

    mik194254 mik194254 Aug 3, 2016 10:10 AM in response to Tesserax
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 3, 2016 10:10 AM in response to Tesserax

    Many Thanks; That was very helpful and I can now access the Time Capsule disc from the iMac (not tried the MacBook yet). One small point how do I get the box to stop thinking it is a network access point (i.e. stop the flashing amber light) or is that just something to live with?

  • by Tesserax,Helpful

    Tesserax Tesserax Aug 3, 2016 10:48 AM in response to mik194254
    Level 9 (54,427 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 3, 2016 10:48 AM in response to mik194254

    A persistent, flashing amber light indicates that any of the several potential conditions may require your attention:

    • The base station has not yet been configured because it is new, or the reset switch has been set.
    • You have selected a security configuration that is not recommended.
    • A new firmware update is available for the base station.
    • One of several other conditions, such as a disconnected Ethernet cable or invalid IP address has been detected.

      

    (ref: AirPort base stations: About AirPort base station status lights (LED))

     

    To find out why your base station's status LED is flashing amber:

    • Open AirPort Utility
    • Click on the AirPort base station
    • Look for a Status setting in the small window that appears. Note: Status only appears if there is an issue or notification.
    • Click on the small amber dot there and another window will open to explain what the "issue" might be.
  • by mik194254,

    mik194254 mik194254 Aug 3, 2016 10:50 AM in response to Tesserax
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 3, 2016 10:50 AM in response to Tesserax

    Many thanks - didn't realise that you could click on the amber status notes. There was just the indication that the Ethernet was unplugged, No DNS Server and PPoE server - I just set them to ignore and now have a green light. Many thanks for your help.

  • by Tesserax,

    Tesserax Tesserax Aug 3, 2016 11:08 AM in response to mik194254
    Level 9 (54,427 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 3, 2016 11:08 AM in response to mik194254

    These errors may indicate that the TC is still in router mode. With it connected to the HomeHub by Ethernet, it should be reconfigured as a bridge.

     

    To do so, or just to double-check that it is, you will use the AirPort Utility, as follows:

    • Run the AirPort Utility.
    • Select the TC, and then, select Edit.
    • Select the Network tab.
    • Verify or change the Router Mode option to: Off (Bridge Mode).
    • If you needed to change it, select Update and allow the TC to restart. If it already is, then just select Cancel.