Time Capsule in bridge mode without ethernet

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Time Capsule in bridge mode without ethernet

I'm probably missing something simple here.

I have a Time Capsule about 3 years old. I have a new router from my ISP that puts out a much stronger signal, so I want to use that router, but continue to use Time Capsule for wireless backups. From what I understand, Bridge Mode is what I want.

However, I also have a newer Macbook Pro with no ethernet port. So once I turn off the wireless setting in Airport Utility, the Time Capsule disappears, and the only way to bring it back is a factory reset, which takes me back to "create a new network" or "extend an existing network."

Without a wired connection, how can I tell TC just to connect to the router via ethernet (which it's doing), and not send out its own network at all?

MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2014), iOS 8.4.1

Posted on Sep 14, 2015 5:24 AM

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Answer 1

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Bob Timmons

Community+ 2024

Level 10

159,176 points

Sep 14, 2015 5:35 AM in response to J M H

Time Capsule in Bridge Mode without Ethernet

Sorry, but not possible. What you need....and the setting that Apple does not have.....is for the Time Capsule to "join" a wireless network.

Your only option is to connect the Time Capsule to your new router using a permanent, wired Ethernet connection. Configure the Time Capsule to create a new network using the setup "wizard". Once you have that basic set up done, use AirPort Utility to go back in and turn off the wireless function of the Time Capsule.

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Answer 2

J M H Author

Level 1

9 points

Sep 14, 2015 6:06 AM in response to Bob Timmons

Ha. I was missing something simple. I had actually done all this, but didn't realize I could still connect to run Time Capsule backups. Thank you Bob.

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Answer 3

Sep 14, 2015 1:12 PM in response to Bob Timmons

I have a similar situation, but my MacBook Pro is a mid-2009 model that does have an Ethernet port. My new Comcast/Xfinity X1 modem-router combo unit sits next to my TV in my living room. A Netgear range extender sits on my desk in my home office, where the Time Capsule and my computer both sit. I've left the TC sitting idle for a couple of days, as I'm not sure which cable to plug in where.

Can you please walk me through how to get my MacBook Pro and my TC talking again. Thanks!

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Answer 4

Sep 15, 2015 4:55 PM in response to Caesar1948

Caesar:

Given all you've said, I'm thinking the easiest and best performing solution is to buy a Ethernet to USB Adapter. Using that adapter wire the TC up to the Mac, leave it in Bridge mode, turn the wireless off. http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MC704LL/A/apple-usb-ethernet-adapter?fnode=58

I'm using one as I type this...works just fine.

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Answer 5

Oct 2, 2015 12:27 PM in response to Mike's Pad

Why would I need an Ethernet to USB adapter? My MacBook Pro has an Ethernet port. Is the solution as simple as running an Ethernet cable from the WAN port on the TC to the Ethernet port on my Mac ... ?

Sorry for the slow response. I've been working on other projects, but now I really do need to get re-acquainted with my TC back-up.

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Answer 6

Oct 2, 2015 12:47 PM in response to Mike's Pad

I should mention that I tried exactly that approach just a few minutes ago. That is, I've got an Ethernet cable running from my TC's WAN port to an Ethernet port on my router. (To be precise, the cable connects to a WiFi extender on my desk. Comcast's shiny new gateway—combination modem and router—sits in my living room at the other end of the house.) I was curious to know whether this setup is working, so I clicked on the TC icon on my toolbar and clicked "Enter Time Capsule." Well, to my surprise, TC opened and showed me what's backed up. So ... am I really peering inside my TC, or am I seeing something else?

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Answer 7

Oct 3, 2015 8:23 AM in response to Caesar1948

My system reports this morning that I haven't backed up to my Time Capsule for 23 days. That would be the time that has elapsed since I took the TC offline and put the new Comcast gateway in service. So I really need to figure this out ... without buying a new backup drive.

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