How to connect time capsule to mac directly w/ an ethernet cable?

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Level 1

10 points

How to connect time capsule to mac directly w/ an ethernet cable?

I have a time capsule that I'm setting up in a new location. At our old home, we used it as the wireless router and back up. We already have a router available here, I just want to be able to set it up directly to my computer via ethernet, which apple says you can do here.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1427

"The initial backup may be faster if you leave your computer in the same room as the Time Capsule, or use an Ethernet cable to connect your Mac to one of the Ethernet ports on the Time Capsule."

The problem is, this is my second time setting it up and I think it's confused since it was configured wirelessly last time. It just keeps blinking amer and I can not get my mac to find it. Every time I try to configure and set it up it searches the network for it, it won't pick up that it's connected via ethernet.

Any input would be appreciated! Maybe there's a way to reset the time capsule to do a first time set up again?

Thank you!

Time Capsule 802.11n (1st Gen), Mac OS X (10.7.4)

Posted on Jun 5, 2012 9:34 PM

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Answer 1

jkb4

Level 1

39 points

Jun 6, 2012 12:20 AM in response to jnadzam

I just got mine, but I think that blinking amber is just saying it's either not getting an internet signal or is set up incorrectly. For example, while setting up my Time Capsule, I had my old router connected to the modem, and the Time Capsule set up as a client/bridge. When I moved my Time Capsule to connect to the modem, and tossed the old router, it blinked amber.

Time Machine will remember your computer as the same computer, no matter whether you have it set up wirelessly or by ethernet. But, yes, you may need to reset it. Resetting it will not erase the data that's already on it, only reset the settings. To do so, get a paperclip/pencil tip and hold down the little button on the back of the Time Machine...on mine it's right next to the slot that lets you put a lock on it. Hold it down until the light on the front flashes quickly—probably 3-5 seconds. Let it restart and then go to your Applications folder, open the Utilities folder, and run the AirPort Utility to set it back up.

Also, on your computer, you should open System Preferences, go to Network, see the little gear below the window that shows Ethernet, WiFi, FireWire, and Bluetooth? Click on that gear and Set Service Order. Drag Ethernet up to the top. That'll just mean that when connected by an ethernet cord, it'll prefer that to WiFi, but use WiFi when you're not plugged into the router.

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Answer 2

jnadzam Author

Level 1

10 points

Jun 6, 2012 7:36 AM in response to jkb4

Thank you for you help. Yes, the amber light does mean it's not connecting. The problem is my computer is set up wirelessly, and I want my time capsule set up via ethernet cable (directly from capsule to mac), but it won't find it via ethernet, and my time capsule continues to blink amber. I'm attaching a screen shot of what I see in the airport utility.

Thanks!

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Answer 3

jkb4

Level 1

39 points

Jun 6, 2012 9:01 AM in response to jnadzam

OK, did you try resetting it with the button? After doing this, it took a good 2 or 3 minutes before a little (1) showed up by Other AirPort Base Stations. Also, as I mentioned, change the service on your computer so Ethernet is first.

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Answer 4

HACKINT0SH

Level 5

5,810 points

Jun 7, 2012 12:41 AM in response to jnadzam

Make sure the ethernet is plugged into one of the Lan Ports. The ones that look like: <...>

And make sure the little light at the top of the ethernet port is green. If it is not, then it's not bridged right.

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