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wiDave

Q: Time Capsule as a WiFi base station

I know the Time Capsule will act as a WiFi base station for my Mac which has 802.11. But will it also act as a WiFi base station for another older PC which I have that does not have the 802.11 technology.

iMac, OS X Mavericks (10.9.2), With Installed Parallels

Posted on Apr 6, 2014 3:30 PM

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Q: Time Capsule as a WiFi base station

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  • by LaPastenague,Helpful

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Apr 6, 2014 3:49 PM in response to wiDave
    Level 9 (52,715 points)
    Wireless
    Apr 6, 2014 3:49 PM in response to wiDave

    The older PC must have a wireless card or suitable USB stick and that is 802.11 technology unless you have some ancient box using something propriety which I doubt.

     

    If you mean it is G wireless then it will work fine. G wireless is compatible with N wireless and can handle WPA2 AES security as long as you have XP SP3 at least.

     

    If it is B wireless or earlier than XP .. throw it and get another PC from your local PC ex-lease provider.. or something like that, and buy a USB stick for it.. total cost less than $100. Do not mix B wireless with modern units. it cannot handle WPA2 security or even WPA security for the most part.

  • by wiDave,

    wiDave wiDave Apr 6, 2014 4:47 PM in response to LaPastenague
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 6, 2014 4:47 PM in response to LaPastenague

    The PC is not that old it is a Dell Studio 1555. It has windows 7 installed & is currently being supported by a Netgear N150 Routher WNR1000. If I purchase the Apple Time Capsule for my new Mac can I disconnect the Netgear and run the Dell PC off of the Time Capsule?

  • by LaPastenague,

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Apr 6, 2014 6:38 PM in response to wiDave
    Level 9 (52,715 points)
    Wireless
    Apr 6, 2014 6:38 PM in response to wiDave

    The answer is a strong positive maybe.

     

    Sorry this is wireless and the Dell probably uses an Intel wireless card.. which is perhaps the least compatible with TC.. you might have no problems or it might not work at all.. there is one way to find out.. try it out.

     

    Post back if it fails.

     

    If it works obviously you no longer need the netgear.. if it fails you can still use the netgear as an AP.