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Post by orpheous87 on Jul 3, 2013 18:33:04 GMT
It's not so much a technical question, more a hardware question.
I need to get an external harddrive for my MacBook because I have too many videos etc. that need backing up. My question is, what is the difference between an Apple Time Capsule and an Apple AirPort Time Capsule? Does anyone know?
From what I'm reading on the Apple Store, the AirPort one can be used to create a wireless network - is this something separate to the wireless connection we already have in the house? I'm so confused!!
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Post by upsydaisyherewego on Jul 4, 2013 8:37:23 GMT
I don't have any apple products but I would guess that the wireless aspect probably means it connects to your Mac without any wires, like a wifi network does.
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Post by tonib on Jul 4, 2013 14:04:00 GMT
First of all let me say that I'm not an apple user, but I have worked as an IT professional for more years than I would care to mention, so have had a look around on the internet to see what I can find & understand. This may sound odd but I can't find any difference at all, I think that historically it was referred to as Time Capsule & has now become Airport Time Capsule when it supported dual band wi-fi or it could just be that people tend to drop the Airport They both seem to provide wi-fi router capabilities. This just means that it can be a wi-fi router but not an internet gateway - you will still need a modem for this (dial-up/broadband (ADSL) or Cable). A lot of the time the broadband suppliers (in the UK) like Sky & BT now provide a combined modem & wi-fi router. It could be useful if you want to extend the range of your existing wi-fi network though. There is a rather technical review which doesn't slate it but does imply that looking at other (non-Apple) drives may be better if that all you want. www.cnet.com/network-storage/apple-airport-time-capsule/4505-3382_7-35791594.html
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Post by orpheous87 on Jul 4, 2013 20:39:22 GMT
Thanks tonib! That helps quite a bit actually! I wonder if it's juts been redesigned and given a slightly different name then. If I have a BT modem already, would I be able to use the time capsule as a router? Our connection can be a bit shaky and the reviews on the apple site say that the time capsule gives a stable connection so I'm thinking it might be worth it.
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Post by tonib on Jul 4, 2013 21:26:04 GMT
Hmm, it depends what connection you're talking about. I presume when you refer to a BT modem you talking about a BT Home Hub. (Don't get a friend of mine started on that one!!! Ours seems much more stable than hers. Anyway that's another issue.)
If it is your internet connection that is flaky then that could be the Home Home out through broadband - the modem element or even the broadband itself.
If you can always print to a wi-fi printer, see other computers on your wi-fi network and see the home hub then the likelihood is that your Home Hub is working as a router fine. However if this isn't the case then the Time Capsule may be of help. However it will still need to plug into the BT Home Hub to get the access to the internet through the modem element.
There are several things that can affect a wi-fi network, including other electrical devices, thick walls etc.
Networking isn't my area of expertise but I know a bit which helps me read some of the techie bits or know how to find bits & pieces.
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Post by orpheous87 on Jul 4, 2013 21:38:22 GMT
Yeah, we have a Home Hub. It's mostly pretty good, it just seems to get really slow sometimes and stop.
I think it's working as a router okay, yes, I just wondered whether the time capsule might help strengthen it somehow. I have a feeling that it's my mam's e-book thing that affects it, but I don't know how to get around that.
I know virtually nothing about networking etc. other than what I find on the internet.
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Post by tonib on Jul 4, 2013 23:45:07 GMT
I wouldn't expect an e-book reader to affect the networking except when possibly downloading a book, & even then they are usually a small size so shouldn't really affect it. Some e-book readers need to have the book downloaded to a computer first & then to the reader others do it direct. If the former then there could be a 2nd hit when it transfers from computer to reader but again no real impact unless it was the straw that broke the camel's back.
One way to try & find out what is causing the problem is to record when it happens & immediately ask everyone else what they were doing & not just on a computer) for example where they turning on a light, using another electrical device, streaming TV or radio programs, media centres etc. You may be able to find a pattern such as the time it happens or the usage.
However to add the Time Capsule as an additional router is unlikely to improve anything unless you are at the edge of the distance range of the existing router when it could boost the signal as it would be in between you & the Home Hub. If that was the problem then you would be lose the wi-fi but the others who were closer to the home hub would still be OK.
This is about the extent of my knowledge.
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Post by BorderTerrier on Jul 5, 2013 16:43:48 GMT
I have a Mac Computer and we have it wired up. It can, however, be used wirelessly with Internet (wifi) still working strongly. If you take a look at your settings on your MacBook you will be able to connect other devices up with your MacBook wirelessly.
On a Mac almost everything can be connected and used wirelessly.
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Post by CurlyCub on Jul 5, 2013 17:14:06 GMT
I have a Mac Computer, have had it for about 3-4 years so know how to use one well. Like BT pointed out pretty much everything can be connected and used wirelessly on it, they're a very advanced and reliable computer.My Mac is connected through wires to the internet while other laptops and devices in the house are not. Just have a scout around on your Mac's settings etc and see what you can find.
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Post by orpheous87 on Jul 5, 2013 20:56:48 GMT
Thanks BorderTerrier and CurlyCub, but that wasn't really what I was asking. My MacBook works fine and is connected wirelessly to our internet. It's the internet that could be considered the problem. I know how to connect things to my MacBook. I was asking about the difference between two differently named external hard drives that appear to actually be the same thing. tonib, I didn't think it would be the e-book but it only seems to have started happening since my mam got it! It's probably a big coincidence. Usually, when the connection slows down, my parents are asleep in their chairs! Occasionally my dad will be on his laptop. I have to admit, I was wondering if one of my neighbours (who are all fairly new) has been leeching off our internet but it's password protected so pretty unlikely.
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Post by tonib on Jul 5, 2013 22:02:42 GMT
Wish I could help further. If the slow down happens at regular times its possible that the BT broadband (external ) to you is being overloaded if it is a popular time.
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Post by orpheous87 on Jul 5, 2013 22:06:51 GMT
You've helped loads, so thank you! Yeah, I never thought of that but it's definitely possible.
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Post by tonib on Jul 5, 2013 22:21:55 GMT
Well at least in my years as a programmer, analyst & IT project manager a little rubbed off from people I worked with in networking & also my OH is in IT again on the programming side (now specialising in web based programs) rather than networking but he's a little more up to date than me. But sadly (from your perspective) neither of us are Apple knowledgeable. Mind you like a lot of technical people I'm good at confusing others Good luck in resolving your slow downs & more importantly finding the right solution for archiving your treasures memories.
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Post by orpheous87 on Jul 6, 2013 13:21:19 GMT
Haha, that's okay. You've helped more than I could work out on my own anyway. Thanks I'm sure I'll be able to get something that will work.
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