Apple Time Capsule Question Re: Network N speed to G.

Raymond Lin

Raymond Lin

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I just set up the time capsule by creating its own network rather than join the existing one. Plus the Guest one I have 3 wifi signal in the house!

My current Wifi Modem is a Linksys one that has G, the Airport extreme has N.

Now, would it be best to get ALL my wifi gadgets to join the Airport extreme Network? and can both be run together? I read somewhere that if you have both running, it will switch to G automatically? I am asking because I want to use the Time Capsule to backup my iMac wirelessly so using the N speed is paramount.

Also, to plug in a HD, i need one that has a network connector right?
 
The basic principle is that your network will run at the speed of the slowest comptible protocol. So if there are any wireless G devices attached to your network, your N devices will be limited to 130mb for compatibility purposes.

Some manufacturers of wireless dongle are rather naughty in spec'ing their devices as 'N' compatible when they are only capable of the 130mb speed not the full 300mb N speed - further, not all N devices are capable of running at 5ghz necessary to guarantee 300mb speed capability.

Check your current speed in Applications > Utilities > Network Utility.app click on the info tab and select your airport interface, about halfway down it'll show your airport connection link speed eg 54mb, 130mb, 270mb or 300mb.

Personally I've notice significantly improved throughputs by moving all devices onto N, even if they are not screaming along at the highest possible link speeds.

-Rob
 
So what you are saying is that only link device that can do N speed?

I.e, my iMac, macbook pro and my iPad?

And out the rest of the device to the linksys? Or can they go on the Guest Network?

Also, i have created a 5Ghz network, which i think is the N network. However, i now haw 3 network being broadcast by the Time Capsule.

Mondo's (5Gh)
Mondo's
Mondo's Guests

Is that right?
 
Assuming you have a newish Time Capsule it should work simultaneously on both N and G (5GHz and 2.4GHz), so the devices that require the faster speed will receive up to the full 300Mbps without the slowdown mentioned by Robert.

Not having played with one of the new ones, I'd assume that the 3 networks being broadcast is how it deals with simultaneous broadcast. The 'guest' account is for you to allow people to have internet access at your house without compromising the security of your home network. I know a couple who run a B&B and offer internet access through the guest account for example. So to answer your question, yup, that looks about right.
 
Raymond Lin said:
Also, to plug in a HD, i need one that has a network connector right?
Click to expand...

If it's the same as my Airport Extreme, it'll accept USB had drives. In fact, it'll also accept a USB hub, which you can than plug multiple harddrives and printers into :thumbs:
 
So recapping....

My understanding is this.....

Mondo's N 5ghz - all elements within this network should connect at full 'n' ie 300mb.

Mondo's N 'compatible' will operate to a maximum of 130mb*.

Mondo's guests 'compatible' will operate to a maximum of 130mb*.

*Any N capable elements will run at 130mb, but the rest, Wii or whatever at 54mb.

Now for the obvious stuff....

Transfers between the three networks will only happen at the link speed of the slowest element - so make sure that the back up 'er' and the back up 'ee' are on the fastest network that they are both capable of using.

---------------

Touching on another point, me personally I have the older type Airport Extreme (either 2.4ghz N or 5ghz N not both simultaneously) and I use a Netgear modem/router as a modem only (ie wifi switched off) with the Airport Extreme physically cabled to it by a short CAT V cable. Linked to that AE I have an Airport Express 'N' wirelessly connected to it to provide network connectivity for my (Wife's) Wii, Blu Ray Player, and TV.

I don't have a guest account available on my network. My network speed is limited to 2.4gz N 'compatible' ie 130mb.

If I had your simultaneous N Airport I could run a separate 5ghz 300mb network for my Wife and I's MacBooks.

-Rob
 
Robert Davies said:
Check your current speed in Applications > Utilities > Network Utility.app click on the info tab and select your airport interface, about halfway down it'll show your airport connection link speed eg 54mb, 130mb, 270mb or 300mb.


-Rob
Click to expand...

Just checked the above and its 300mb :)

Job done!
 
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