vale.pani
Level 1 (8 points)
Wireless

Q: Set up Time Capsule just to storage data

Hi,

I recently purchased a Time Capsule because I want to back up both my Mac mini and my Macbook Pro. When I opened Airport Utility I saw that another Time Capsule was set up at home. I tried to connect to an existing network and it wont show me the home network (it shows me the neighbor one) so then I created a new network but then internet wasn't working.

 

I just want to backup my computers in wifi mode. I do not need an extra router or wifi port. What am I doing wrong? How Can I just set it up as a backup?

Time Capsule

Posted on Aug 9, 2016 8:39 AM

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vale.pani

Q: Set up Time Capsule just to storage data

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  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Aug 9, 2016 9:20 AM in response to vale.pani
    Level 10 (105,458 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 9, 2016 9:20 AM in response to vale.pani

    As the Setup Guide that came with your Time Capsule illustrates, you must connect the Time Capsule to your modem or modem/router using a wired Ethernet cable connection.....which must remain in place at all times.

     

    Once the initial setup is complete, it will only take a few mouse clicks if you want to turn off the wireless function of the Time Capsule.

     

    Unfortunately, the downside to doing this is that Time Machine backups.....if that is what you are planning to use to back up your Macs.....will not be officially supported unless the backup occurs over the Time Capsule wireless....or....you connect the Mac directly to one of the LAN <--> ports on the Time Capsule using an Ethernet cable connection.

     

    Backups might work if you turn off the wireless on the Time Capsule and try to use your existing wireless network.....or they may not. Even if they might work, there will be no support from Apple if you have any difficulties, since Apple does not officially support this type of setup.

  • by vale.pani,

    vale.pani vale.pani Aug 9, 2016 9:26 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 9, 2016 9:26 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    I don't want to turn off the wireless function. I just want to use time machine from both my mac and macbook pro. My house has 6 different routers I believe. One of them is just outside my room. Does that mean I need to connect my time capsule to the router with WLAN and then it will work? Will this interfere with the other Time Capsule connected to another side of the house to another router I guess?

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Aug 9, 2016 9:43 AM in response to vale.pani
    Level 10 (105,458 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 9, 2016 9:43 AM in response to vale.pani

    We'll repeat what we said again.

     

    As the Setup Guide for the Time Capsule illustrates, you must connect an Ethernet cable from your modem or modem/router to the WAN "O" port on the Time Capsule.  The connection must be remain in place at all times.

     

    Screen Shot 2016-08-09 at 11.36.18 AM.png

     

     

    It is not possible to have the Time Capsule connect to your existing wireless network using only a wireless connection......unless.....you have another Apple router that is providing the network. If you do, then we need the model number of the Apple router that you have in order to provide the correct setup instructions.

     

    The default setup of the Time Capsule is to "create a wireless network", so you will have another wireless network operating at the completion of the setup.  Apple wants you to use the Time Capsule wireless for backups if you plan to back up using Time Machine.

     

    You could try turning off the wireless on the Time Capsule if you do not want another wireless network, and you might be able to use your existing wireless to back up using Time Machine.

     

    But.....this type of setup is not officially supported by Apple, so there will no assistance available if you try this type of configuration and it does not operate correctly.

     

    It's your call, though.