We changed modems and I can’t plug in my airport so I can’t back up my MacBook. Is there a way I can just connect it to my MacBook and back up without going through modem?
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Unfortunately, no.
It sounds like the device that you are calling an AirPort "modem" is likely a Time Capsule......which is not a modem at all.....it is a WiFi router with a built in hard drive.
If you are up to starting all over again to reset the Time Capsule back to factory default settings and then setting it up again, you can likely get things going again on the Time Capsule.
But first, it might be a good idea to confirm that you really do have a Time Capsule. If your Mac has been backing up to this device, then you do indeed have a Time Capsule.
The Time Capsule will need to connect to your new modem using a permanent wired Ethernet cable connection. If you don't need the extra wireless network that the Time Capsule will produce when it is set up, it is possible to turn off the WiFi function so the Time Capsule will act like a wired only hard drive for backups.
Post back if you need a few tips on the setup.
Unfortunately, no.
It sounds like the device that you are calling an AirPort "modem" is likely a Time Capsule......which is not a modem at all.....it is a WiFi router with a built in hard drive.
If you are up to starting all over again to reset the Time Capsule back to factory default settings and then setting it up again, you can likely get things going again on the Time Capsule.
But first, it might be a good idea to confirm that you really do have a Time Capsule. If your Mac has been backing up to this device, then you do indeed have a Time Capsule.
The Time Capsule will need to connect to your new modem using a permanent wired Ethernet cable connection. If you don't need the extra wireless network that the Time Capsule will produce when it is set up, it is possible to turn off the WiFi function so the Time Capsule will act like a wired only hard drive for backups.
Post back if you need a few tips on the setup.
Yes, you are right - it is the time capsule. Unfortunately the new modem we have doesn't have enough ethernet slots for my Time Capsule. Otherwise I need to find a way to back up my mac. And I now have an expensive paperweight.
Sorry about that - Time Capsule - :)
The new device is a Cox Panoramic WIFI Gateway - only has 2 ethernet ports - one is for the Cox Gateway Thing and the other goes to a PC. We upgraded to some supposed super speed thing from Cox. If a splitter or switch will help I can order one of those. Do you have any idea if it will reduce the speed?
Does the Time Capsule have to be connected to wifi to provide the the ability to back up MacBook? If I can just connect to mac and back it up thats all I need.
Perfect and easy to do THANK YOU! Since it has been unplugged for a week will I need to reset everything or when it powers up will it remember? And THANK You Bob - I really appreciate the patience, time, and help.
If your previous "modem" was also a modem/router or gateway type of device, the Time Capsule might work if you simply connect it up and power it up. Certainly worth a try.
If no luck, you'll need to perform a Hard Reset on the Time Capsule and then set it up again. You can use the same device name, same passwords, etc. If you don't need the WiFi service that the Time Capsule will provide, you can turn off the wireless using AirPort Utility.
Airport Time Capsule 802.11ac
Bob was asking for the make & model of your new Internet "modem" that didn't have enough Ethernet ports to plug your Time Capsule into.
You are the best!! Thank you!!
What is the make and model number of the "modem"? We don't need a serial number.......just the name of the product manufacturer and the model number.
If you are saying that all of the Ethernet ports are in use on the "modem" at this time, you can add an Ethernet switch to provide more Ethernet ports. Ethernet switches come in 5-port, 8-port, 16-port, etc versions.
Sorry, but as we explained before, the Time Capsule is not a "modem". It is a router. For the sake of clarity, we're going to refer to your Time Capsule as a Time Capsule, not a modem.
The "modem" is the "new device" that you say "doesn't have enough Ethernet slots for my Time Capsule."
What is the manufacturer name and model number of your "modem".?
How many Ethernet ports doe the "modem" have?
Are all of these Ethernet ports being used for other devices?
Thanks for the info, this really helps.
If you unplug the PC Ethernet cable from the Panoramic WiFi Gateway.........we'll call it the "gateway".......and connect a 5-port Ethernet switch to the gateway then the PC can connect to the switch and so too can the Time Capsule connect to the switch.
In effect, your gateway will now have 4 Ethernet ports for devices to connect instead of one.
In addition to the switch, you will need 2 Ethernet cables.....one to connect the switch to the gateway and the other to connect the Time Capsule to the switch. You will still have 2 additional open Ethernet ports on the switch to connect other devices in the future if needed.
Because the Time Capsule will be connected to the gateway network, you will be able to back up the MacBook to the Time Capsule over the gateway WiFi network.
The Ethernet switch will not affect the speeds on the network, it will be totally transparent. An example of a recommended switch would be something like this:
So, the Time Capsule does not need to be connected to WiFi, it needs to be connected to an Ethernet port on the switch.
If this sounds like it might make sense and you are up for resetting and reconfiguring the Time Capsule, post back for more details. In addition to an Ethernet switch, you will need 2 more Ethernet cables......any length or color that you want.
If you want to go to a store to get the items, any big box electronics retailer like Best Buy or Frys will have what you need.
I can’t plug in my Airport so I can’t back up my MacBook
