HT201510: Setting up Time Capsule for the first time

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jackapplefanboy
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Q: I'm "unable to extend network". What can I do to fix this?

My TC works fine when simply setting it up to join the existing network, but when I set it to extend my network the yellow light blinks and the status is "unable to extend network".

 

How do I fix this?

Time Capsule, Mac OS X (10.7.4)

Posted on Jun 23, 2012 11:10 AM

by Bob Timmons,Solvedanswer
Bob Timmons Bob Timmons
Level 10 (105,398 points)
Wireless
A:

The Time Capsule can only "extend a wireless network" if the main wireless network is being produced by another Apple router. Can you tell us what router you are using to provide the wireless network there?

Posted on Jun 23, 2012 11:21 AM

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jackapplefanboy

Q: I'm "unable to extend network". What can I do to fix this?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Bob Timmons,Solvedanswer

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Jun 23, 2012 11:21 AM in response to jackapplefanboy
    Level 10 (105,398 points)
    Wireless
    Jun 23, 2012 11:21 AM in response to jackapplefanboy

    The Time Capsule can only "extend a wireless network" if the main wireless network is being produced by another Apple router. Can you tell us what router you are using to provide the wireless network there?

  • by jackapplefanboy,

    jackapplefanboy jackapplefanboy Jun 23, 2012 11:22 AM in response to jackapplefanboy
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 23, 2012 11:22 AM in response to jackapplefanboy

    That's good to know... I should read the fine print next time...

  • by Chris Murphy,

    Chris Murphy Chris Murphy Oct 22, 2012 3:33 PM in response to jackapplefanboy
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 22, 2012 3:33 PM in response to jackapplefanboy

    I don't think the provided answer is true. Apple uses WDS to extend networks. I'm fairly sure you can run WDS on 3rd party routers and open source routers such as DDWRT. However, if you use Apple hardware, you are going to have an easier time setting it up.

     

    Also, in case you were trying to join a wireless network as opposed to extend one... see this thread:

    https://discussions.apple.com/message/20105502#20105502

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Oct 22, 2012 3:53 PM in response to Chris Murphy
    Level 10 (105,398 points)
    Wireless
    Oct 22, 2012 3:53 PM in response to Chris Murphy
    I'm fairly sure you can run WDS on 3rd party routers and open source routers such as DDWRT.

     

    Hasn't worked on Linksys and Cisco routers that I have tried. Netgear "Universal" extender does not work either. I think Apple does some "proprietary" things.  But, more correct to say that it would be "extremely unlikely" that Apple would work with another brand.

     

    I do recall one post where a user claimed that Apple would work after a DDWRT mod or similar.....but he also noted that this was only with no wireless security.

     

    Even if it did....WDS only operates at "g" wireless speed..and you lose half of that again when you add the remote extender.  Not much attractive about a network running at 27 Mbps or so.