bona96

Q: can I use Airport Extreme for wifi network and time capsule for backup

I have an Time Capsule in which I believe the wifi has gone bad.  I would prefer not to buy a new time capsule but rather buy an airport extreme and link the two together.  My hope is that I will be able to backup to my time capsule and use the airport extreme for my wifi.  Is this possible?

Posted on Aug 12, 2016 5:18 PM

Close

Q: can I use Airport Extreme for wifi network and time capsule for backup

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Aug 12, 2016 5:57 PM in response to bona96
    Level 10 (105,458 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 12, 2016 5:57 PM in response to bona96

    Is this possible?

    Yes, if the three Ethernet LAN <--> ports are working on the Time Capsule. To find out if this is the case, you will need to connect a computer to one of the LAN ports, turn off the WiFi on the computer and check to make sure that the computer can get a good Internet connection that way.

     

    If it can, then you will be able to use an AirPort Extreme as a wireless router and connect an Ethernet cable from the Extreme to the Time Capsule, so that the Time Capsule will continue to function as a hard drive.

     

    I have an Time Capsule in which I believe the wifi has gone bad

    Not sure what "gone bad" might mean here.

    Is the Time Capsule producing a wireless signal at all?

    If yes, can devices connect to the WiFi?

    If yes, can devices get an Internet connection when they connect using wireless?

  • by bona96,

    bona96 bona96 Aug 12, 2016 6:01 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 12, 2016 6:01 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    I can connect to the wifi on the time capsule, but my signal strength is horrible.  I replaced my modem today (Comcast said it had gone bad) but that did not fix my wifi strength.  I have been connection speeds through the Ethernet now, but not over wifi.  So I am assuming it must be the time capsule.

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Aug 12, 2016 6:19 PM in response to bona96
    Level 10 (105,458 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 12, 2016 6:19 PM in response to bona96

    You can't really assume anything when wireless is concerned, since it has always been a mix of half science and half voodoo.

     

    WiFi range issues are usually a result of some form of wireless interference that limits performance over the wireless network.  If you have already ruled out that possibility, then it is possible that the Time Capsule wireless signal strength has decreased, but unless the Time Capsule is more than 3-4 years old, this would be quite unusual.

     

    Might be a good idea to buy from Apple or another source that will provide a 14 day return privilege on the new AirPort Extreme. If it also has range issues, then you know that you have interference issues to deal with.