How to setup Time Capsule to use wifi and 2 ethernet ports

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Level 1

4 points

How to setup Time Capsule to use wifi and 2 ethernet ports

Hi, I hope someone can help with this issue as I've been searching for an answer without success. Basically, can a Time Capsule (1st gen) connected to a modem create a wireless network, as well as connect to an ethernet powerline adapter, as well as connect to an iMac by ethernet?

My original setup was as follows:

modem > time capsule (which creates a wireless network) > iMac

I bought an AirPort Express to use in another room. It was extending the TC wifi network, but the speeds weren't great so I've got a pair of powerline ethernet adapters. I wanted to add those into my current setup so that the Express can create a wireless network.

Anyway, before I can get to that stage, I'm having issues with the TC. I want to achieve the setup as follows:

modem > time capsule (which creates a wireless network) > powerline adapter 1 * > powerline adapter 2 > airport express

* But as well as connecting an ethernet cable to powerline adapter 1, also connect one from TC to my iMac.

When I tried connecting an ethernet cable to the TC in my original setup, the iMac lost connection to the internet. I've managed to get the following setup to work:

modem > time capsule (which creates a wireless network) > powerline adapter 1 > powerline adapter 2 > imac

But to achieve the setup I want, would require me to buy another powerline adapter (for the Express), and it seems silly to have to use a powerline adapter for my iMac when it is right next to the TC.

Any help would be appreciated.

Posted on Nov 16, 2012 6:31 AM

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Answer 1

PG73 Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 16, 2012 8:09 AM in response to PG73

Just to add, I've currently set things up as follows:

Modem > time capsule (which creates a wireless network) > powerline adapter 1 > powerline adapter 2 > airport express (which creates a wireless network)

I'm connecting the iMac via wifi to the time capsule, but would much rather connect via ethernet. Is there any way to connect to the time capsule without messing things up, or would using another powerline adapter be the only way?

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Answer 2

Nov 16, 2012 11:24 AM in response to PG73

modem > time capsule (which creates a wireless network) > powerline adapter 1 * > powerline adapter 2 > airport express

* But as well as connecting an ethernet cable to powerline adapter 1, also connect one from TC to my iMac.

When I tried connecting an ethernet cable to the TC in my original setup, the iMac lost connection to the internet. I've managed to get the following setup to work:

What you are attempting should work fine. The TC should be able to manage multiple ethernet connections as well as the wireless.

Investigate what is happening when you plug ethernet into the TC from the imac.

Please try it.. turn off wireless in the imac to ensure ethernet is the only connection.

But I would recommend you shut off the whole network at that point. Restart everything in order.. modem .. TC.. EOPs.. Express.. clients.. with 2min gap between them.

Now look at the imac and check the network preferences.. did it pick up the correct IP from the TC? It should have router (gateway) and DNS all correct using dhcp.. if not check the connectivity light on the TC.. does it come on when you plug in the ethernet cord?

Open a terminal on the mac and ping the TC address. does it respond?

Give a few screen shots of how the TC is setup.. bridge, router and what IP it is running. Even just the summary page.

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Answer 3

PG73 Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 16, 2012 1:09 PM in response to LaPastenague

Thanks, starting them up in that order did the trick. I did think the setup I was trying to achieve should work, but I started doubting myself when it kept failing, so thanks again.

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