HT201510: Setting up Time Capsule for the first time

Learn about Setting up Time Capsule for the first time
This discussion is locked
Troobs
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: How do I get Time Capsule onto my current network

How do I get Time Capsule onto my current network

Posted on Jan 19, 2013 8:06 AM

Close
Troobs

Q: How do I get Time Capsule onto my current network

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by LaPastenague,

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Jan 19, 2013 11:44 AM in response to Troobs
    Level 9 (52,991 points)
    Wireless
    Jan 19, 2013 11:44 AM in response to Troobs

    And your current network is... ??

     

    Generally you simply bridge the TC and plug it in by ethernet.

     

    If you do not have ethernet ie you are using some wireless broadband.. the TC offers a hidden option "join a wireless network" this is much to be avoided. It will make the TC slow and cut off all other access to the TC.

  • by Troobs,

    Troobs Troobs Jan 20, 2013 10:35 AM in response to Troobs
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 20, 2013 10:35 AM in response to Troobs

    Thanks for your answer LaP,

     

    I thought I had solved the issue managing to get the TC onto my home network, so it performed back ups via Time Machine but also appeared as a shared drive on my Mac.

    However, I am concerned now, as you say, " this is much to be avoided". Why ?

  • by edex67,

    edex67 edex67 Jan 20, 2013 10:37 AM in response to Troobs
    Level 4 (3,250 points)
    Jan 20, 2013 10:37 AM in response to Troobs

    It's slow. Very, very slow. Very, very, very slow. This is because the data has to go over 2 hops instead of one, plus you have the WiFi interference to deal with.

    If you can't run an Ethernet cable use Powerline adapters.

  • by Troobs,

    Troobs Troobs Jan 20, 2013 10:52 AM in response to edex67
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 20, 2013 10:52 AM in response to edex67

    So is it just a speed issue or is there anything else I need to worry about

    You mention WIFI interference - what does that mean

  • by edex67,

    edex67 edex67 Jan 20, 2013 11:09 AM in response to Troobs
    Level 4 (3,250 points)
    Jan 20, 2013 11:09 AM in response to Troobs

    WiFi interference is interference with the WiFi signal. As WiFi is basically just radio it suffers from interference, especially if you live in an area with lots of WiFi networks. Changing the WiFi channel can help with this.

    It is mainly just a speed issue (i.e. backups take days to complete) but Ethernet/Powerline is also more reliable. As LaPastenague said join is to be avoided.

  • by LaPastenague,

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Jan 20, 2013 12:24 PM in response to Troobs
    Level 9 (52,991 points)
    Wireless
    Jan 20, 2013 12:24 PM in response to Troobs

    Backups over wireless tend to end up corrupted.. if that happens TM will start over again.

     

    You can use wireless to the TC, but it is much better to use wireless direct.. which means the TC must be plugged into the main router by ethernet. Apple made the other method of join a wireless network tiresome by turning off the ethernet ports.. that means you cannot access the TC directly by wireless or ethernet.

     

    If possible I would even setup two networks.. ie keep the TC isolated and use it plugged in by ethernet direct to the computer. This can work very well. But then you should have just bought an external drive for TM and be faster, cheaper and generally better.