AliCat02
Level 1 (4 points)
Wireless

Q: New Time Capsule has poor wi-fi range

I just bought a new Time Capsule tower - latest version - 2 days ago. I was able to install it easily, got the wi-fi up and running, connected all our devices, but it has terrible range and extremely slow speed.  It is located in the basement of our 2-story house, and while I'm on the front porch (20 feet away), I have intermittent wi-fi on my iPhone 6s Plus, and my husband cannot even access the wi-fi on his iPhone 5s. As long as we are right inside the house, we get full service.I just replaced a Netgear router with range that could reach all the way across the yard and down the dock, so I was extremely disappointed. There has to be something wrong? Not to mention, loading any kind of media or even web pages is painfully slow. The time capsule is connected to my charter spectrum cable modem.  Are there any settings I need to tweak? Or did I get a lemon?

Posted on Aug 23, 2016 1:26 PM

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AliCat02

Q: New Time Capsule has poor wi-fi range

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  • by Tesserax,

    Tesserax Tesserax Aug 23, 2016 1:59 PM in response to AliCat02
    Level 9 (53,877 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 23, 2016 1:59 PM in response to AliCat02

    The Time Capsule will perform different than the Netgear that it replaced due to non-similar antenna designs in both devices. That would be a given, but you are right to expect at least the same performance (or better) with the new base station.

     

    Think of Wi-Fi signals as somewhat analogous to light. Obstructions, like walls, floors, ceilings, etc. will restrict the usefulness of that signal. Again, as should be expected. The building material used in your home also has an affect, as well as, other forms of Wi-Fi interference. Again, probably not telling you anything you don't already know.

     

    The other possibility is that you just have a defective unit. This is not common, but it's not rare either. Regardless, I would suggest that you take it back to your local Apple Store (if possible) and have it replaced. They can be replaced within one year (or within three years if it was purchased with another qualifying Apple product.) If you don't have a store nearby, you can also contact Apple directly here.

     

    But, before doing so we can also try to determine if the TC is in the best possible placement to provide wireless coverage where you need it. Let me know and I can provide the details.

  • by AliCat02,

    AliCat02 AliCat02 Aug 23, 2016 2:16 PM in response to Tesserax
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 23, 2016 2:16 PM in response to Tesserax

    We are thinking of trying to move it up to the main floor (requires drilling holes in the floor), but I keep getting hung up on the comparison to the Netgear - which was located in the exact same place.   I thought this unit would blow it out of the water. The IT guy at my work suggested I return it and try a different unit, but I'm afraid maybe the TC just isn't what I expected?

  • by Tesserax,

    Tesserax Tesserax Aug 23, 2016 2:25 PM in response to AliCat02
    Level 9 (53,877 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 23, 2016 2:25 PM in response to AliCat02

    As far as base station placement, check out the following AirPort User tip for the details. You may find just small placement adjustments may make all of the difference. Please post back your results or if you have any questions about the tip.

     

    As far as a replacement with another model:

    In all fairness, the currently available 802.11ac AirPorts (Extreme & Time Capsule) are now an over 3 year old design so they should be compared with others of the same "technology era."

     

    To help you decide, I suggest that you give the following SmallNetBuilder site a glance. They have performed numerous tests on most every model out there and offer means to help you make an "educated decision" on what may work best for your situation. Try their Router Chooser option to start.