HT201510: Setting up Time Capsule for the first time

Learn about Setting up Time Capsule for the first time
This discussion is locked
doug from stratford upon avon
Level 1 (18 points)
Apple Watch

Q: Setting up TC for first time

I'm trying to set up a new Time Capsule and add it to my existing network. I don't want to use it as a base station, as I am happy with my existing wi-fi network, I just want to use it purely for Time Machine backups and to connect a printer via the USB.

When I am setting up, it is 'found' in Airport Utility but automatically defaults to creating a new network. I select 'add to an existing network' in 'other options' but it keeps defaulting back to creating a new network. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Many thanks.

 

Doug

iMac, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2)

Posted on Aug 31, 2013 4:09 PM

Close
doug from stratford upon avon

Q: Setting up TC for first time

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by LaPastenague,

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Aug 31, 2013 4:37 PM in response to doug from stratford upon avon
    Level 9 (52,984 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 31, 2013 4:37 PM in response to doug from stratford upon avon

    Do the setup with ethernet in full isolation from the network..

     

    Select bridge mode..

     

    bridgev6AU.png

     

    Then plug it into the main router by ethernet.. you can setup wireless as you like.

     

    The other option is to join a wireless network and is really bad.. don't do it.. the above is the best by far.

  • by doug from stratford upon avon,

    doug from stratford upon avon doug from stratford upon avon Aug 31, 2013 4:50 PM in response to LaPastenague
    Level 1 (18 points)
    Apple Watch
    Aug 31, 2013 4:50 PM in response to LaPastenague

    Thank you for your response. I really hope that this will work wirelessly as this is what I wanted due to location and home layout. I could have purchased a wired hard drive (for a third of the cost) to use for back ups if this doesn't work wirelessly as advertised. Are you saying that I need to set this up wired by plugging it in to my modem (or router?) first? I don't quite understand what you mean by "you can setup wireless as you like"

     

    Sorry to be dense!

     

    Thanks

     

    Doug

  • by LaPastenague,

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Aug 31, 2013 8:17 PM in response to doug from stratford upon avon
    Level 9 (52,984 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 31, 2013 8:17 PM in response to doug from stratford upon avon

    The first statement of wireless setup as you like was with the TC in bridge mode.. plugged into the main router by ethernet and the wireless on the TC creating a wireless network.

     

    This is the best way.. if you already have good wireless you can turn off the wireless in the TC.. and still access the TC over the network.. everything will work as fast as your existing wireless..

     

    Now take the other scenario..

     

    Using the TC without wires.. using join to a wireless network which is not apple airport based.

     

    The TC will become a dumb client in the network.. wireless speed will go to half of the existing speed.. as it always does due to double hop wireless.. the TC has no Wireless AP and no ethernet.. It will be located wherever you want and chug.. if you are happy with such a setup then that can be done.. expect the following.

     

    Extremely slow backups.

     

    Fairly frequent corruption of the backup due to wireless errors.

     

    Network going slow for long periods as now the bandwidth is totally used by local backups instead of internet.

     

    With the other setup.. in bridge.. ethernet still works wireless still works.

     

    The speed of wireless is as fast as the client can manage.. and you can keep it separate wireless name and so not affect internet traffic for other clients at all.

     

    If you can get the client close enough 5ghz in the new AC version is very fast.. in wireless connection wireless will go at half the speed of the main wireless network.