Time Capsule USER in AirPort Utility

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Level 1

5 points

Time Capsule USER in AirPort Utility

I'm using Time Capsule 500GB. In the AirPort Utility / Disks window it shows statistics on Name/Capacitiy/Free/Used/USER when I click on a drive.
--> (1) How is "USER" counted, i.e. what does "User: 19" mean?
--> (2) What will the "Disconnect all users" do?
--> (3) How can I monitor user access to Time Capsule drive access?
--> (4) Is there any documentation available for the AirPort utility re network security features? (The help screen only refers to USB drive setup... at least in the German version of Leopard)

Many thanks for your help!

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.5), Time Capsule 500GB

Posted on Dec 7, 2008 1:12 PM

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Answer 1

fortunate

Level 3

535 points

Dec 7, 2008 1:56 PM in response to Dr. Joe

Dr. Joe wrote:
I'm using Time Capsule 500GB. In the AirPort Utility / Disks window it shows statistics on Name/Capacitiy/Free/Used/USER when I click on a drive.
--> (1) How is "USER" counted, i.e. what does "User: 19" mean?

User is a computer that is connected to (or has mounted) the disk.

--> (2) What will the "Disconnect all users" do?

Exactly what is states. It will disconnect all users currently connected to the disk, only temporarily.

--> (3) How can I monitor user access to Time Capsule drive access?

Set up a strong disk password. In the next tab 'File Sharing' there is a choice for 'secure shared disks' - make a new more secure password. You should also change guest access to 'not allowed' unless you want a user to be able to connect with no password. Also, uncheck the box share over ethernet WAN port unless you need to access the disk from a location besides your home network - like a remote location.

Some other security suggestions: Don't check any boxes that state "share over ethernet WAN port" unless you have a specific reason for doing so. Check all Airport Utility screens/tabs for this. Under 'Advanced' tab>port mapping option make sure there is nothing there under 'allow' unless you have a reason, otherwise it should be empty. Change your wireless network password to something more secure and make wireless set to closed network. Both under 'Airport' tab>wireless option.

--> (4) Is there any documentation available for the AirPort utility re network security features? (The help screen only refers to USB drive setup... at least in the German version of Leopard)

This manual here (english): http://manuals.info.apple.com/en/DesigningAirPort_Networks10.5-Windows.pdf

Documentation above came from this link below, choice under 'Top Support Topics' - Designing Airport Networks using Airport Utility.
http://www.apple.com/support/airport/

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Answer 2

Dr. Joe Author

Level 1

5 points

Dec 7, 2008 2:21 PM in response to fortunate

Hi fortunate - many thanks for your reply!

fortunate wrote:

Dr. Joe wrote:
I'm using Time Capsule 500GB. In the AirPort Utility / Disks window it shows statistics on Name/Capacitiy/Free/Used/USER when I click on a drive.
--> (1) How is "USER" counted, i.e. what does "User: 19" mean?

User is a computer that is connected to (or has mounted) the disk.

So is "19" the "computer 19" (whereever this number comes from)
-OR- were there 19 different computers (i.e. users) trying to access my drive?
Basically, I'd like to know if some of my neighbours want to sneak into my drive/internet...

--> (2) What will the "Disconnect all users" do?

Exactly what is states. It will disconnect all users currently connected to the disk, only temporarily.

OK.

--> (3) How can I monitor user access to Time Capsule drive access?

Set up a strong disk password. In the next tab 'File Sharing' there is a choice for 'secure shared disks' - make a new more secure password. You should also change guest access to 'not allowed' unless you want a user to be able to connect with no password. Also, uncheck the box share over ethernet WAN port unless you need to access the disk from a location besides your home network - like a remote location.

Some other security suggestions: Don't check any boxes that state "share over ethernet WAN port" unless you have a specific reason for doing so. Check all Airport Utility screens/tabs for this. Under 'Advanced' tab>port mapping option make sure there is nothing there under 'allow' unless you have a reason, otherwise it should be empty. Change your wireless network password to something more secure and make wireless set to closed network. Both under 'Airport' tab>wireless option.

Is there any way to see WHO (i.e. which computer) tried to get access WHEN? Is there a log-file with this information -OR- a tool I could use (i.e. network monitoring tool)?
I followed all your recommendations - so the disk should be save...

--> (4) Is there any documentation available for the AirPort utility re network security features? (The help screen only refers to USB drive setup... at least in the German version of Leopard)

This manual here (english): http://manuals.info.apple.com/en/DesigningAirPort_Networks10.5-Windows.pdf

Documentation above came from this link below, choice under 'Top Support Topics' - Designing Airport Networks using Airport Utility.
http://www.apple.com/support/airport/

Great!

Message was edited by: Dr. Joe

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Answer 3

fortunate

Level 3

535 points

Dec 7, 2008 2:31 PM in response to Dr. Joe

There were 19 different users connected to the drive. For example, you changed all the settings and no one else has access, the only number that should show here should be equal to the computers you've given access to.

I'll get back to you about this last question, I need to research something for you.

Dr. Joe wrote:
Is there any way to see WHO (i.e. which computer) tried to get access WHEN? Is there a log-file with this information -OR- a tool I could use (i.e. network monitoring tool)?

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Answer 4

Jan 12, 2009 8:24 AM in response to fortunate

With the Airport utility active, click on "Base station" at the top of your screen and click "logs and statistics".

Here you can view and export your Airport's log.

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