HT201510: Setting up Time Capsule for the first time

Learn about Setting up Time Capsule for the first time
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Gareth37
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Q: So, AirPort uses wireless, and TimeCapsule (TC) uses AirPort.  So, can I use TC via wireless?

So, AirPort uses wireless, and TimeCapsule (TC) uses AirPort.  So, can I use TC via wireless?

 

My advice via 'discussions' so far seems to indicate that I require a physical link between TC and my router.  If that is the case, what is the point of AirPort? 

 

AirPort is supposed to provide a wireless link between my iMac and whatever..  If it does not do this, how can Apple distribute movies to my TV?

 

I have just had a circular argument with a TC service person.

 

Would a superior service person please respond?

 

  - Thanks,  Gareth

iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.4)

Posted on Sep 18, 2012 11:44 AM

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Gareth37

Q: So, AirPort uses wireless, and TimeCapsule (TC) uses AirPort.  So, can I use TC via wireless?

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  • by LaPastenague,Helpful

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Sep 18, 2012 1:25 PM in response to Gareth37
    Level 9 (52,991 points)
    Wireless
    Sep 18, 2012 1:25 PM in response to Gareth37

    I wish Apple would use a few more terms..

     

    Airport in the computer is simply a wifi client.

     

    There are also two airport routers.. Airport extreme and airport express.. these are not related in any way to the airport in the computer.

     

    If you want to use the TC as a network device it must have a network link.. hence the ethernet to the router.. you then connect to the TC via either ethernet or "airport" in your computer. The TC functions either as full router .. or as a wireless access point (WAP) only on the existing router. 

     

    Without the link to the router, you cannot access iTunes store on the internet.

    And if you want to use wireless rather than ethernet then you need a WAP.. if the existing modem router is also wireless, you do not need the TC at all.

     

    Perhaps we can make this clearer if you tell us what sort of broadband connection you have and the type of modem/router they provide.

  • by Gareth37,

    Gareth37 Gareth37 Sep 28, 2012 8:49 AM in response to LaPastenague
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 28, 2012 8:49 AM in response to LaPastenague

    Hi - I think I am getting closer to the answer.  I have a wireless router from my telephone company, which provides wireless connection to a printer an a laptop; these work very well.  There is an ethernet cable from this router to my iMac.

    My theory is that I should connect the Time Capsule to the router via ethernet for the initial backup, then remove the TC to a distant part of the house for physical security, and do incremental backups via either the iMac Airport software, or via the router's wireless service.  I would think Airport is better because it avoids the router.

    If Airport can deliver movies to my tv, it should be able to deliver relatively small computer files.

  • by LaPastenague,

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Sep 28, 2012 3:47 PM in response to Gareth37
    Level 9 (52,991 points)
    Wireless
    Sep 28, 2012 3:47 PM in response to Gareth37

    There is an ethernet cable from this router to my iMac.

    My theory is that I should connect the Time Capsule to the router via ethernet

    Put the TC in bridge mode.. between the router and the iMac.. put it anywhere in between.. ie at the router end or imac end or anywhere in between if you want it hidden. Do not use it by wireless only.. that will make it terrible slow. Of course you can if you want to .. but we strongly recommend not to.

     

    The best teacher though is experience.. try it.