Time Machine + Time Capsule + Wireless router = Frustration

[Don0344]

I purchased a Time Capsule from an Apple Store about two months ago. It seemed like a good idea, actually an excellent idea, at the time. I have a MBP core 2 duo. I connect to the Internet with a Verizon USB 727 wireless modem that is plugged in to a USB port on the MBP. The Internet connection works great. When I set up Time Capsule (and I have done this many times) I get an error message that says that there is nothing connected to the Ethernet port - and tells me to connect my router to this port. I do not have a router with an ethernet port. My modem is wireless. The "Air" in Airport seems to indicate that it is a wireless device but somehow Airport insists that I connect a wired router to it. I can eventually get everything to work and connect other devices to the Internet via the Airport but every time I shut my system down I have to jump through hoops to get it restarted - i.e. run the airport utility and re-establish Time Capsule as my Time Machine backup drive. I have updated all software including Airport Utility (version 5.5). Is this just something I have to live with or should my Time Capsule be able to handle a wireless modem?

Sorry to be so wordy but I wanted to explain thoroughly. Thanks for any help.

Don

[mmkerc]

First I have to tell you that all I am about to say is pure guess work and could (likely) provide no help to your problem.

That being said if I understand your setup you are using verizon 3g broadband setup instead of a more typical DSL/Cable hardwired connection with a router (wireless or not). If this is correct I suspect the issue is one of changing ip addresses. In the typical setup you have a home/local network with constant ip addresses (last digit may change but the first three are static (10.0.1.x). With your verizon setup I think the verzion modem does not retain the local ip addresses in the same way. So I suggest that you try setting up your MBP to be a DNS server for your local network. Try googling that for instructions on how (I have not tried this).

If this works please post so we eknow it work and I know to buy a lottery ticket

[Don0344]

I may have taken the coward's way out but, after searching the Internet for information on getting my system going wirelessly and becoming more and more confused, I finally purchased a Cradlepoint CTR500 wireless broadband router with an ethernet port. I now have the TimeCapsule connected directly to the router via the ethernet port. Apparently that's all that the Airport Utility was looking for. The TimeCapsule is now located near the router, the USB727 wireless modem is plugged into the CTR500. All this is located in a remote location that allows me to connect all my computers wirelessly to the Internet. In addition, I have a printer connected to the TimeCapsule that can be shared by any station on my network. So now I can back up my system with TimeMachine/TimeCapsule, jump on the Internet and print documents - all very conveniently with this tidy little system.

I want to add that the CTR500 is reasonably priced at $200 and was simple to set up and is easy to use.

[Israel]

Hello Don,

Mi name is Israel and I'm writing you from San Juan PR. My pleasure to meet you!

Like you, I change my ISP (or equipments) and as a result I was equipped with a wireless router (CTR500) and a USB for internet connection. I do know that this alone work in my iMac, but I'm not able to make the internet connection with my Time Capsule and my Apple TV.

To my logic, I connect the ethernet cable in the ethernet port that the CTR has (between the power cord and the USB) and the the port with the many circles. Still not able to connect with iMac, or Apple TV, or anything.

I believe that must of all other problems and errors has occurred to you as well, so, can you help me? Hope you can help...

Sincerely, Israel

[Don0344]

The only way I could get it to work was to connect the CTR500 directly to the Time Capsule using an ethernet cable. Be sure you are using the WAN port on the capsule. It's the one closest to the USB port. I couldn't get it to work wirelessly - i.e. without the hardwire in place. Then I used the Airport Utility to set it up. Make sure you are using the most recent version of Airport Utility (5.5). The older version will not work. I don't have Apple TV so can't help you there.

Good luck,
Don

[Israel]

Thank you for your help and advice. Un abrazo!