Q: Can I extend an Apple Time Capsule (newest version) network using an AirPort Extreme 5th Generation? What are the benefits? What are the limitations?
Here's the use case I am after: I will have the newest Apple Time Capsule arriving tomorrow and it will go in my Master Bedroom where my AirPort Extreme 5th Gen has been performing marvelously. In the family room on the main level there is no easy ability to extend my wired gigabit network to the entertainment center where the TV is. I do have a gigabit jack available in that room on a different wall, but due to open walk ways between that wall and the entertainment center, there is no nice way to connect a TV (or in the future an AppleTV) to that gigabit network. It's on the wrong wall.
An additional desire is to have one Apple provided wifi in the home that is super strong by combining these two top quality devices. The AirPort Extreme by itself blew me away - it could reach all four levels and out into the yard quite a distance all by itself. So I am buying the Time Capsule for the storage and the more current AC technology.
Note: From the Master Bedroom there is only one wall into the 2 story family room, so for the wireless devices, it is a fairly straight shot with only one wall to pass through should a Wireless bridge be possible and perform well.
I know that I can connect my AirPort Extreme (5th Gen) to the Gigabit port on the wrong wall. And either set it up with the same SSID and PW as the Time Capsule upstairs or "extend" the Time Capsule's wireless network (advice is sought on this point). I will want the gigabit ports to be available as needed to plug wired devices into, but as mentioned, placing the AirPort Extreme on this wall is not suitable to reach the Entertainment Center/TV.
That approach will not enable me to plug a Smart TV or an Apple TV into the ports on the AirPort Extreme and to the TV itself because of the layout of the room. Assume the SmartTV devices do not have wifi. I plan to purchase an AppleTV for the TV in that Entertainment center, so I am trying to figure out how to plug the AppleTV into the gig-E network (perhaps I don't even need to worry about that and you guys can set me straight because the AppleTV could be the Wireless Bridge itself and I am unaware of that).
Another approach I am wondering about, could I place the AirPort Extreme 5th Gen in the Entertainment cabinet, not plugged into the gigabit network at all, and essentially create a wireless bridge from the Time Capsule so in the future a Smart TV and/or an Apple TV could be plugged into the Ethernet ports on the AirPort Extreme and through the wireless bridge be connected to the home network resources and the internet? And if it is possible to set-up a wireless bridge between these two devices, does that AirPort extreme acting as a wireless bridge and a repeater, extending the wireless network throughout the home and strengthen the signal?
Another thing I do not understand - the Time Capsule is AC capable while my 5th Gen is only capable of 802.11N. I am uncertain of what limitations that may provide for the extending/strengthening of the Wireless signal.
If the AppleTV can act as a wireless bridge, then I can focus on placing the AirPort Extreme in a position where it is plugged straight into the Gigabit network and extending the Time Capsule's SSID.
Loving my ~10 Apple devices! Planning to add more in the future!!
AirPort Extreme 802.11n (5th Gen), iOS 8.3, Apple Time Capsule 802.11ac
Posted on Jun 25, 2015 8:04 PM