My FIOS provider refuses to put their modem/router into bridge mode

My FIOS provider refuses to put their modem/router into bridge mode

As you might imagine, unfortunately there is nothing that we can do about that. Other providers will do this if the modem/router that you are using has the capability to be set up as a simple bridge mode modem....which the FIOS product likely does not.

If you look a bit more closely at the Setup Guide that came with the TC, you will see that Apple assumes that you will be using the TC with a simple "modem" only.......not a modem/router or gateway device like you have.

Based on the information in your post, I would recommend that you return the Time Capsule for credit or a refund. If that is not possible, then we can try another type of setup, if you want....but....it will be frowned upon by Apple.

What the Apple Support folks may not have not have told you was that the Fios modem/router needs to be in Bridge Mode......or.....the Time Capsule needs to be in Bridge Mode. This is what Bridge Mode looks like in the TC settings:

My neighbor has been using a TC with a FIOS modem/router with no issues at all since we set things up months ago. The TC, which is located a few rooms away from the modem/router, provides additional wireless signal "extension" in the area where it is located, so everything behaves as if it were one "big" wireless network.

But, the TC cannot do this if it will be located in close proximity to the FIOS modem/router, so if your goal is to use the TC to "boost" or "extend" the FIOS wireless, that will not work with the TC in close proximity to the FIOS product.

The same type of setup that I set up for my neighbor might work fine for you as well. But....if it does not....then Apple will provide no help. That's why I am suggesting that you first go for a credit or refund on your TC, if possible.

Hi Michelle, we'll give things a try.

First, I am assuming that the TC will be located a few rooms way from the FIOS modem/router.....in an area where you need more wireless signal strength or coverage......AND.....that the TC will be connecting back to the FIOS modem/router using a permanent, wired Ethernet cable connection.

Power up the TC for a few minutes, if it is not already on

Hold in the reset button on the back of the TC for 7-8 seconds, then release

Allow a full minute for the TC to restart to a slow, blinking amber light status

Connect the Ethernet cable from one of the LAN <--> Ethernet ports on the FIOS modem/router.....(there are probably 4 of them, chose any one that you want).....to the WAN "O" port on the TC.

On your Mac.....

Click the WiFi menu at the top of the screen

Look for a listing of New AirPort Base Station

Click directly on Time Capsule

The example below shows an AirPort Extreme as the new base station, but you will see Time Capsule on your screen

When you click on Time Capsule, that will stat up the setup "wizard". It will take a few seconds to suggest the correct setup and display a screen that looks like this, except that you will see a Time Capsule pictured.

Network Name.......Type in the exact same name that the FIOS modem/router is using

Base Station Name.....Type in a device name that you want to use for the TC

Password....Type in the exact same wireless password that the FIOS is using

Verify....Type in the password again to confirm

Click Next

The setup "wizard" will set everything up for you automatically. When you see the message of Setup Completed, click Done

Power off both the FIOS modem/router and the TC

Wait a minute

Power up the FIOS modem/router and let it run a minute or two

Power up the TC and let it run a minute or two

Check to see if you can connect to the wireless network near the TC. If you can, then things should be working.

Post back on your progress, and if all is well, we'll set up your Mac(s) to back up to the TC.