maxdog_extreme
Level 1 (12 points)
Mac OS X

Q: How do I find which TC are AC capable?

I have some Time Capsules that I configured as extenders. I'd like to know which are the best speed and which would be best to use for Backups. I have a brand new Airport Extreme as my base station and the others that extend are older yet they are not the flat model, they are the taller tower. Most of my Apple computers, phones, etc. are AC capable and I think they run slower off of the extenders when I'm closer to them. Any advice?

iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2013), iOS 9.3.1, OSX Server

Posted on Aug 19, 2016 9:16 AM

by Bob Timmons,Solvedanswer
Bob Timmons Bob Timmons
Level 10 (105,448 points)
Wireless
A:

The only TC that is "ac" capable is the current "tower" shaped version of the product.

 

As far as the speed capabilities of your current TCs, we would need a model number from the bottom of the device to be able to tell you more about each product.  The model number starts with an "A" followed by four numbers.

 

No matter whether you have an "ac" versions of the TCs or not, you might want to remember that whenever you "extend" a network using a wireless connection between the AirPorts, you will lose about half of the potential speed capability on the network.

 

Hopefully, you have the TCs connected back to your "main" router using wired Ethernet connections.

Posted on Aug 19, 2016 9:22 AM

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maxdog_extreme

Q: How do I find which TC are AC capable?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Bob Timmons,Solvedanswer

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Aug 19, 2016 9:22 AM in response to maxdog_extreme
    Level 10 (105,448 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 19, 2016 9:22 AM in response to maxdog_extreme

    The only TC that is "ac" capable is the current "tower" shaped version of the product.

     

    As far as the speed capabilities of your current TCs, we would need a model number from the bottom of the device to be able to tell you more about each product.  The model number starts with an "A" followed by four numbers.

     

    No matter whether you have an "ac" versions of the TCs or not, you might want to remember that whenever you "extend" a network using a wireless connection between the AirPorts, you will lose about half of the potential speed capability on the network.

     

    Hopefully, you have the TCs connected back to your "main" router using wired Ethernet connections.

  • by Rysz,Helpful

    Rysz Rysz Aug 20, 2016 3:31 PM in response to maxdog_extreme
    Level 7 (21,001 points)
    iPad
    Aug 20, 2016 3:31 PM in response to maxdog_extreme

    All "tower" AirPorts and Time Capsules are ac compatible.

  • by Maxdog_,Helpful

    Maxdog_ Maxdog_ Aug 20, 2016 3:31 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (17 points)
    Servers Enterprise
    Aug 20, 2016 3:31 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    I think one of my Time Capsule's a first tower release before they were touting AC capable. I'm not positive however when I bought it years ago I don't think Apple had any AC hardware. That's why I'm trying to determine which one is. When AC capable Extreme's and TC's towers were released they also boasted improved antenna array. I think there's a little more to it, which is why I'm trying to decide if replacement could improve coverage also.

  • by LaPastenague,

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Aug 20, 2016 12:15 AM in response to Maxdog_
    Level 9 (53,011 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 20, 2016 12:15 AM in response to Maxdog_

    There has only been one model AC wireless.. the tower model.. anyway it is easy to find out.

     

    In airport utility hold down the option key and double click the icon. This will give you the full summary page. (click the icon gives the half summary).

     

    Thus and so.. Model says explicitly AC ..

    AirPort Time Capsule 802.11ac

     

    Screen Shot 2016-08-20 at 5.14.26 PM.png

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Aug 20, 2016 5:07 AM in response to Maxdog_
    Level 10 (105,448 points)
    Wireless
    Aug 20, 2016 5:07 AM in response to Maxdog_

    I think one of my Time Capsule's a first tower release before they were touting AC capable

    Unfortunately, you seem to be confused.....and the answer is very simple.

     

    If your TC looks like a tower.....then it is "ac" capable. If your TC is "flat or square", like a pizza box, then it is not "ac" capable.

     

    But, there were four versions of the "flat or square" TC, and the wireless specifications for each one are different. If you want to know more about the versions that you have, then we need the model number(s) of the TC(s) that you have.

  • by maxdog_extreme,

    maxdog_extreme maxdog_extreme Aug 20, 2016 3:32 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (12 points)
    Mac OS X
    Aug 20, 2016 3:32 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    Actually yep. This solved my confusion. That's why I went to communities. Thanks.