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I found one router from TP Link the Archer A20 C4000 that you can connect a Time Machine drive to backup the Macs I have. Anyone used any others that are compatible with Time Machine? That router is also Alexa compatible, has quad cores, etc. I live in 2 bedroom apartment so not needing major distance/area coverage but have mix of 2.4gx and 5gz devices. Some do AC some N.
iMac Line (2012 and Later)
The only routers guaranteed to work with Time Machine in all respects (including the ability to restore a complete system) are the Apple AirPort Extreme Base Stations and Time Capsules. All of them have been discontinued.
Routers from other manufacturers may or may not work, and their claims for Time Machine compatibility have been demonstrated to be dubious at best, repeatedly, since Time Machine's inception well over a decade ago. The practical effect is that if they fail to work with TM in any respect, their manufacturers blame Apple's Time Machine software. Apple in turn will blame their manufacturers for failing to comply with Apple's Time Machine specifications. The only person who cares about your data is you so choose accordingly.
If your needs are such that a backup is required to be completely reliable, and you do not have or cannot obtain one of the above genuine Apple routers, then use directly-connected hard disk drives. I use a variety of Time Capsules / AEBSs and USB hard disk drives connected in every conceivable supported configuration. All of them have been 100% reliable in all respects.
The only routers guaranteed to work with Time Machine in all respects (including the ability to restore a complete system) are the Apple AirPort Extreme Base Stations and Time Capsules. All of them have been discontinued.
Routers from other manufacturers may or may not work, and their claims for Time Machine compatibility have been demonstrated to be dubious at best, repeatedly, since Time Machine's inception well over a decade ago. The practical effect is that if they fail to work with TM in any respect, their manufacturers blame Apple's Time Machine software. Apple in turn will blame their manufacturers for failing to comply with Apple's Time Machine specifications. The only person who cares about your data is you so choose accordingly.
If your needs are such that a backup is required to be completely reliable, and you do not have or cannot obtain one of the above genuine Apple routers, then use directly-connected hard disk drives. I use a variety of Time Capsules / AEBSs and USB hard disk drives connected in every conceivable supported configuration. All of them have been 100% reliable in all respects.
It would be much simpler to connect a physical drive (preferably SSD) to your iMac, and not use the drive attached to a router.
I have a 1TB SSD connected to my iMac, even though I have an Apple Airport Extreme Base Station in the room. That Restore from Time Machine Backup option on the Recovery menu only works from physically attached Time Machine drives.
I agree in both posts, however. My iMac has a limited number of USB ports and nearly all full. Speakers with USB Dac, DVD, cable for iPhone and Apple Watch. Currently doing backups to a 3Tb La Cie via USB 3.0. Have considered getting a Thunderbolt drive though which would achieve the local backup goal, be faster, and free up a USB port. Only La Cie makes affordable Thunderbolt Hds. Seagate has that option but very costly. May need to go the La Cie drive with Thunderbolt cable. I may be able to find an enclosure with Thunderbolt connection and put an SSD in that.
Good option but limited desk space at least until I get larger one. Short term the 1Tb La Cie would work. Small. OWC also has a Thunderbolt enclosure I could put an SSD into. I may get larger desk in couple months and then will have plenty space. Still appreciate the suggestions, they are still very valid.
The reason I was looking at a router to use with Time Machine is having the 3Tb La Cie which has to be plugged into AC via adapter, and has tons of free space. Maybe I can find a Thunderbolt cable for it.
FWIW, go with the previous post and just connect a drive
directly to the iMacs. Backups and restores will be much quicker
and more reliable, especially compared to WiFi.
Why not introduce a powered 5 or 7 port USB 3 hub, but direct attach to the iMac the Time Machine drive.
Chuckling about your lack of desk space. Could you not place both the hub and Time Machine drive on the iMac stand base. It is just space going to waste otherwise. 🤓
Already put the Superdrive there current 3tb Mac is too big. It's on lower shelf currently
Routers compatible with Time Machine
