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How to setup new VELOP mesh system with existing Time Capsule

I have a Time Capsule tower that functions as the wireless router and Time Machine wireless backup disk. Because it has old security I now need to install a Wi-Fi 6 mesh system. I have a new Linksys VELOP MX8400C ready to set up.

What is the sequence of tasks? I want to keep the TC as the Time Machine wireless backup destination. Obviously, I need to disconnect the TC then add the VELOP to my modem, but I think I also need to change the TC so it's not a base station. I found a link on that.

https://www.macworld.com/article/3053642/how-to-disable-wi-fi-base-station-features-on-a-time-capsule.html

But what are the steps? What's first, second, next? The Linksys sets up via a phone app but after reading through the User Guide I don't find how to deal with the TC.

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Feb 9, 2021 2:47 PM

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40 replies

Bob Timmons

Level 10

185,492 points

Feb 27, 2021 11:39 AM in response to Bruce L.

If a blank disk is used to back up a Big Sur Mac, the Mac will automatically format the drive for APFS, which Big Sur prefers.

But.......a Catalina Mac cannot use APFS for a Time Machine backup.

The only way that you might be able to use the USB drive for both Macs is start over again and erase the USB drive and format it for Mac OS Extended (Journaled). Back up the Catalina Mac first and then try to use the same drive on Big Sur.

In theory, Big Sur should leave the disk alone and back up using the Mac OS Extended (Journaled) format.....although this is not the best way to back up a Big Sur Mac. In practice, this may not happen though. I haven't tried it.

Things would be tons easier if you could use a separate USB drive for each Mac. Then, the drive format will be optimized for each Mac.

Bruce L. Author

Level 1

28 points

Feb 9, 2021 3:41 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Thanks Bob! Working all day every day online now so I'll start this over the weekend.

Bruce L. Author

Level 1

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Feb 16, 2021 12:18 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Bob;

I have the VELOP up and it's updating now.

I swapped the solar and Powerwall to the VELOP parent

The TC is unplugged.

Next?

Bruce L. Author

Level 1

28 points

Feb 16, 2021 1:56 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Powered up TC

Doesn't show in APU

Bruce L. Author

Level 1

28 points

Feb 16, 2021 3:27 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Why not try a reset? You say the old backups would be accessible?

One empty Ethernet port left on the parent unit.

Bruce L. Author

Level 1

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Feb 16, 2021 5:03 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Thanks Bob. I'll try this on the weekend and report back.

Bruce L. Author

Level 1

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Feb 16, 2021 5:20 PM in response to Bob Timmons

That's a good suggestion. I'll try it.

I assume that Time Machine will find the TC connected to the VELOP after all this?

Bruce L. Author

Level 1

28 points

Feb 22, 2021 8:42 AM in response to Bruce L.

P: In APU I see "network off" when I click the TC image.

Bruce L. Author

Level 1

28 points

Feb 27, 2021 11:46 AM in response to Bob Timmons

Good grief! I thought it might be a gotcha.

Think I'll upgrade the Catalina Mac to Big Sur and get a drive just for that machine - as you advised.

Thanks, Bob.

Bob Timmons

Level 10

185,492 points

Feb 27, 2021 12:20 PM in response to Bruce L.

Apple made HUGE changes to the Mac operating system in Big Sur. That is why it is called OS 11.x.x. The OS was 10.x for more than a decade.

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How to setup new VELOP mesh system with existing Time Capsule