Time Capsule for Dummies (i.e. me)

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Level 1

8 points

Time Capsule for Dummies (i.e. me)

Is there a "Setting up Time Capsule for Dummies" guide somewhere? I am going in circles and just getting repeatedly frustrated. My computers can find Time Capsule (the first time, but after I lose the connection I have to re-set the Time Capsule) but I can't get it to connect to the Internet - whether it's set to create a new network and the ethernet cord is plugged in, or whether it's set to extend my network and supposed to wirelessly connect via my Linksys router.

I get "An error occurred while reading the configuration. . Please make sure your Apple wireless device is plugged in and in range of your computer or connected via Ethernet and try again. (-6753)"

Or I get:
Problem 1 of 1: Internet Connection
Your Apple wireless device does not have a valid IP address. Make sure your Apple wireless device is connected to your broadband modem or local network, verify your settings, and try again. If you still can't connect, contact your Internet service provider.

Connect using: "Ethernet" vs. PPPoE
Configure IPv4: "Using DHCP" vs. Manually
IP Address: 169.254.252.37
Subnet Mask: 255.255.0.0
Router Address: (blank)

I have seen others post with my same problems, but haven't read any viable solutions. I'm so confused that I don't even make sense to myself anymore.

iMac, MacBook, Mac OS X (10.5.2)

Posted on Jan 12, 2009 8:10 PM

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Answer 1

Tesserax

Level 10

158,100 points

Jan 12, 2009 9:02 PM in response to Kali400

Hello Kali400. Welcome to the Apple Discussions!

Let me start with a few basic questions to get a level set.

o Is your Internet Service Provider (ISP) providing you with DSL or cable Internet service?
o What is the make/model of the DSL/cable modem that your ISP has provided you?
o What are your primary requirements for the Time Capsule (TC)? Internet access, provide a wireless network; as a target for Time Machine backups?
o Will you be extending the wireless range of the TC or using the TC to extend the range of another wireless router? If either, what is the make/model of this other router?

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Answer 2

Kali400 Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 13, 2009 7:13 PM in response to Tesserax

I have cable internet service.

My modem is an Arris TM502G.

I want to use my Time Capsule for
1) an Internet connection for an iMac, a MacBook and a PC
2) as an external hard drive
3) to connect 2 or 3 printers and a scanner to the USB port (via hub)

I can either use it to replace my current Linksys WRT54GS router, or join its network. I would be happy either way, but might as well replace the Linksys to avoid going through an extra "layer."

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Answer 3

Tesserax

Level 10

158,100 points

Jan 13, 2009 7:31 PM in response to Kali400

Yes, I would recommend swapping out the Linksys with the TC as well. It will definitely simplify the setup of your network.

By default, the TC is configured as a wireless router so it should just work right out-of-the-box, but we still should go through some additional settings to make sure, for example, that your wireless network is secured.

Here are the basic steps ...

Time Capsule (TC) Setup w/Cable Modem

Perform a "hard" reset of the TC.
o (ref: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1300)

Modem/Router Power ReCycling
o Power-off the Cable modem, TC, & computer(s); Wait at least 15 minutes.
o Power-on the Cable modem; Wait at least 10 minutes.
o Power-on the TC; Wait at least 5 minutes.
o Power-on the computer(s)

Setup the TC
Either connect to the TC's wireless network or, temporarily, connect your computer directly (using an Ethernet cable) to one of the LAN ports of the TC, and then, using the AirPort Utility in Manual Mode, check these settings:

AirPort - Base Station
o Base Station Name: <whatever you wish or use the default>
o Base Station Password: (optional)
o Contact: (optional)
o Location: (optional)
o Set time automatically (optional)
o Time Zone: <select your time zone>
o Status Light: Always On (Default)
o Allow configuration over Ethernet WAN port (unchecked)
o Advertise configuration globally using Bonjour (unchecked)

AirPort - Wireless
o Wireless Mode: Create a wireless network
o Network Name: <whatever you wish or use the default>
o Allow this network to be extended (unchecked)
o Radio Mode: 802.11n (802.11b/g compatible)
o Channel: Automatic
o Wireless Security: None

AirPort - Wireless - Wireless Options
o Region: <select your region>
o Multicast Rate: 2 Mbps
o Transmit Power: 100%
o Create a closed network (unchecked)
o Use interference robustness (unchecked)

Internet - Internet Connection
o Connect Using: Ethernet
o Configure IPv4: Using DHCP
o IP Address: <provided by your ISP>
o Subnet Mask: <provided by your ISP>
o Router Address: <provided by your ISP>
o DNS Server(s): <provided by your ISP>
o Domain Name: <provided by your ISP>
o DHCP Client ID: (optional)
o Ethernet WAN Port: Automatic (Default)
o Connection Sharing: Share a public IP address

Internet - DHCP
o DHCP Range: 10.0 1.x
o DHCP Beginning Address: 10.0.1.2
o DHCP Ending Address: 10.0.1.200
o DHCP Lease: 4 hours
o DHCP Message: (optional)
o LDAP Server: (optional)
o DHCP Reservations: (optional)

Internet - NAT
o Enable default host at: (leave blank)
o Enable NAT Port Mapping Protocol (checked)

Once you have verified Internet access, I strongly suggest that you use wireless encryption (WPA or WPA2) to secure your network.

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