This discussion is locked
Ajayinstrife
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: New Time Capsule keeps loosing network

Hi

My network configuration is that I have a new TC (Time Capsule) that is connected via ethernet to two AE (Airport Express). One of the AEs is new and that one is connected via ethernet to an ATV (Apple TV) the New AE. An iMac is connected wirelessly to the other AE (line of site, no more than 2-3m - nothing to create interference)

 

So its apple all the way - and mostly wired.

 

The problem I am having is that for some reason the network keeps crashing. In Airport Utility the network will be "green lights" all the way - then all of a sudden they go amber and a yellow triangle appears next to each of the units and an error message asking if I would like to forget the unit.

 

Strange thing is that all the AEs and the TC units show their green lights and the network functions - almost - i.e it is just in Airport Utility that they dont appear green (or at all)

 

I mentioned the network almost funtions  - In this state  - I can get internet most of the time, the time machine back up also keeps running - BUT after some 10 to 15 minutes it crashes properly and needs to be re-connected mannually.

 

Also, the ATV seems to come and go in terms of being available for airplay - it will start then stop - and I have to toggle home sharing on and off. And it is streaming very very slowly  - despite being connected ethernet pretty much all the way to the Imac.

 

This afternoon Apple Care walked me through resetting everything. Network names are new, the AE are all set to extend the TC network. It appeared to stabilise - but not for long.

 

I have a modem/wireless ADSL router - wireless is OFF.

 

I do note that in the TC settings - the router mode it is set to Bridge, should this be DHCP/NAT?

 

Any help would be appreciated

 

Thanks

iMac, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.4)

Posted on Jun 28, 2013 5:32 AM

Close
Ajayinstrife

Q: New Time Capsule keeps loosing network

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by LaPastenague,

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Jun 28, 2013 5:59 AM in response to Ajayinstrife
    Level 9 (53,001 points)
    Wireless
    Jun 28, 2013 5:59 AM in response to Ajayinstrife

    I carefully read all through this and could not find fault..

     

    But this statement concerns me.

     

    the AE are all set to extend the TC network.

     

    The AE that is plugged in by ethernet should not extend the wireless.. it should be setup in roaming network.. to create a wireless network.. you cannot have both extend wireless and ethernet running at the same time.

     

    If you are using the term broadly to explain what you are doing.. please be specific.. otherwise if you are actually extending wireless.. don't.. each AE should follow the roaming network instructions.

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4260

  • by Ajayinstrife,

    Ajayinstrife Ajayinstrife Jun 29, 2013 12:47 AM in response to LaPastenague
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 29, 2013 12:47 AM in response to LaPastenague

    Thanks Lapa'

     

    I think I am getting closer to what is wrong; firstly,in response to your note - i checked the settings per your link - and all seems correct (even though Airport Utility seems to have changed). You are also correct that the AEs are set to "create network" - that is confusing since when they go throught the wizard it clearly tells you it is "extending" the network.

     

    This morning, everything in AE was back to yellow triangle -  I turned off all AE's with the exception of the new one linked by ethernet to the TC. Airport Utility found the network again i.e all went green, Airtunes worked on a test. I left Itunes open, but not doing anything. I left it for an hour so, by which stage the AE had gone back to yellow triangles. However, closing Itunes brought back the green signal (without power cycle) and after two or three attempts, airtunes worked.

     

    This time I left it streaming a tv show the ATV. Then about an hour later I Quit Itunes - and left it for the afternoon - and all appears stable.

     

    - So I think there are two problems - one relating to one of the old AE's (which have been off all day) - maybe a hardware glich in one or both  AND some issue caused when the ATV goes to sleep. Does this sound plausable?

     

    Tomorrow I am going to play with the old AE's to see which of them is causing a problem.

  • by LaPastenague,Helpful

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Jun 29, 2013 1:00 AM in response to Ajayinstrife
    Level 9 (53,001 points)
    Wireless
    Jun 29, 2013 1:00 AM in response to Ajayinstrife

    Strange things do happen..

     

    Finding a stable setup is getting far more complicated than it should..

     

    I would do a few things.. but they are really more experiments.. than offering  you solutions.. you seem to be well aquuntained with networks and what you are doing..

     

    I would bridge the adsl modem router.. and use pppoe client on the TC. That move the routing to the TC.. that may help to improve things.

     

    I would change the dhcp lease time to 20min.. I am not sure what it is on the modem router.. but 24 hours is kind of standard.. as well on the TC as the modem.. a lot of stuff happens in 24hours. and I think keeping leases renewed is one of the keys to this. If devices drop off at least you then know they are no longer accessing the router. It might do nothing..

     

    Using static IP on the AE so they keep the same IP .. you can set them in the dhcp reservation on the TC would be the best idea. Again, keeping stuff renewed but known IP in the routing tables. 

     

    Report how it goes.

  • by cjq8,

    cjq8 cjq8 Jun 29, 2013 4:15 AM in response to Ajayinstrife
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 29, 2013 4:15 AM in response to Ajayinstrife

    I am having the same problem, our set up is identical. The WiFi devices will not even connect to the new wireless network. adn if i turn on the wifi on my imac it "self assigns" an ip

  • by sarisue,

    sarisue sarisue Jun 29, 2013 7:40 AM in response to cjq8
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 29, 2013 7:40 AM in response to cjq8

    on mine it connects and stays connected but the connection to the router keeps dropping then picking up. over and over and over. makes the printer disconnect completely, needed to be restarted. very unhappy!

  • by Ajayinstrife,

    Ajayinstrife Ajayinstrife Jul 1, 2013 1:34 AM in response to LaPastenague
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jul 1, 2013 1:34 AM in response to LaPastenague

    Hi

    Thanks for that - i have made two "changes"

    1) On my adsl modem I have (as you suggested) reduced the dhcp lease time to 30 minutes (the lowest on offer) - as it seemed to be the simplest change of the ones you suggested,

    2) resolved to keep Itunes closed if I am not actually using it or the ATV.

     

    Also  - Ihave not (yet) connected the last AE - which is the one I think has a problem (it is the oldest)

     

    This seems to have solved the problem i.e. the network hasnt crashed for 2.5 days (and counting - fingers crossed).

     

    I will keep your other suggestions in reserve

     

    many thanks