Owais Crawford
Apple's AirPort Extreme and AirPort Time Capsule are two distinct products that were released by the company and share similar physical characteristics. The AirPort Extreme functions as a wireless router, while the Time Capsule can act as both a wireless router and a backup disk due to its built-in HDD. Apple discontinued both products in 2018. It is possible to connect a Time Capsule or AirPort Extreme to an existing Wi-Fi network using Bridge Mode, which ensures smooth performance and compatibility with the main router.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you connect Time Capsule to Airport Extreme? | Yes, you can connect a Time Capsule or Airport Extreme to your existing Wi-Fi network using Bridge Mode. |
| Devices | Time Capsule, Airport Extreme, eero base station units, iMac, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro |
| Connection type | Wireless, Ethernet |
| Connection steps | 1. Disable wireless and routing functions on Airport Extreme. 2. Connect your laptop to Time Capsule or Airport Extreme using an Ethernet cable. 3. Launch Airport Utility and select Time Capsule or Airport Extreme. 4. Press 'Update' and disconnect your laptop. 5. Re-enable Wi-Fi and connect your laptop to your eero Wi-Fi network. 6. Connect one of your eeros to Time Capsule or Airport Extreme's WAN port using an Ethernet cable. |
| Additional notes | - Apple discontinued the Time Capsule and Airport Extreme in 2018. |
- Time Capsule backups will not be supported starting with macOS 27 in 2026. |
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What You'll Learn
Connecting to an eero network
If you’re connecting a Time Capsule to your eero network, you’ll have to disable the wireless and routing functions on either your Time Capsule or your eeros. It is recommended to bridge your Time Capsule, which essentially turns it into a network-enabled hard drive and gigabit switch. This way, you can control your network’s advanced features via the eero app.
First, unplug all the Ethernet cables to disconnect it from your existing network. Next, connect your laptop to your Time Capsule using an Ethernet cable plugged into one of the Time Capsule’s LAN ports. Ensure your computer is connected only to the Time Capsule and not to the network of another router or modem. It is recommended to turn off your Wi-Fi to make sure you’re only connected to your Time Capsule. Then launch Airport Utility and select AirPort Time Capsule from the window and press edit.
Once done, press ‘Update’ and your Time Capsule will reboot and save your changes. At this point, disconnect your laptop, re-enable your Wi-Fi, and connect your laptop to your eero Wi-Fi network. Then use an Ethernet cable to connect one of your eeros to your Time Capsule’s WAN port. After a moment or two, your eero will assign the Time Capsule its own IP address and the Time Capsule hard drive should appear on any device connected to your eero network.
When adding eeros to your network, keep the following in mind:
- Place your eero device centrally: If you have a dead spot, try to place your new eero device between the dead spot and another eero device to ensure a strong connection.
- Make sure it is out in the open: eeros communicate best when they’re not closed in – try not to place your eero inside a media console or cabinet, behind or underneath any large furniture.
- Place it away from large electronics: Avoid placing your eero device in front, on top, or under any electronics or appliances as metal objects can block Wi-Fi signals.
- Any eero with an Ethernet port can be connected to your network wirelessly, or via Ethernet backhaul for a faster and more reliable connection. Devices without an Ethernet port, such as the eero Beacon or eero 6 Extender, can only be connected wirelessly.
To connect your wireless devices, open the wireless connection interface on your device, locate the eero Wi-Fi network using the Wi-Fi name you provided earlier, and enter your password. If you used the same Wi-Fi name and password as your previous router, many devices may connect to the new network automatically. If a device doesn’t automatically connect, you can try toggling Wi-Fi “off” and then “on” again to quickly reconnect it, or reboot the device itself.
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Using an external HDD or SSD
Apple's AirPort Extreme acts as a wireless router and repeater, but it does not have an internal hard drive. However, you can connect an external HDD or SSD to the AirPort Extreme via its USB port. This allows you to use the external drive as network-attached storage, accessible to all users connected to the wireless network.
To connect an external HDD or SSD to your AirPort Extreme, first ensure that the AirPort Extreme is turned on and correctly configured. Then, connect your external drive to the USB port on the AirPort Extreme Base Station. Note that the AirPort Extreme only has one USB port, but you can connect multiple devices by using a USB hub.
Next, open the AirPort Utility application on your Mac. Click on “Manual Setup”, then “Disks”. Verify that your external hard drive appears in the pane, then click on “File Sharing” and check the “Enable file sharing” box.
Finally, secure your network drive by selecting one of the three security options:
- With accounts: Each user will have their own username and password, with "read only" or "read and write" access permissions.
- With a disk password: Enter a password for the network drive, which will be required for all users to access the network drive.
- AirPort Extreme password: All users will enter the password set for the AirPort Extreme Base Station to access the network drive.
It is important to note that the AirPort Extreme does not support APFS, exFAT, or NTFS-formatted drives. Only drives preformatted in FAT or HFS+ are supported. Additionally, you cannot back up your computer to the external drive using Time Machine, nor can you stream content from the drive to other network devices.
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Differences between Time Capsule and Airport Extreme
Apple's AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule are two different products with similar physical designs. The Airport Extreme is a wireless router with other wireless features such as a repeater. On the other hand, the Time Capsule acts as both a wireless router and repeater and a backup disk, thanks to its built-in HDD. This means that the Airport Extreme cannot be used for backups without an external HDD or SSD connected to it via USB.
The Time Capsule is an easy solution for automatic hourly backups via wireless or wired network connections. It uses less power than a second computer or a base station and an external drive. It is also inaudible. The 2013 models of the Time Capsule feature faster download speeds, beamforming improvements, and wireless or desktop network control with iCloud integration. They also introduced the newest Wi-Fi standard 802.11ac.
The Airport Extreme is recommended for those who already have a backup solution and want a wireless router. The device supports 802.11n at 300 Mbit/s (simultaneous dual-band 2.4 and 5 GHz), 802.11g at 54 Mbit/s, and 802.11ac (1,300 Mbit/s for newer devices from 2013 onwards). It also has a guest network feature, allowing guests to use the wireless network with a separate password.
It is worth noting that Apple discontinued both the AirPort Extreme and the Time Capsule in 2018, exiting the router market. Time Capsule backups will also no longer be supported starting with macOS 27 in 2026.
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Using Airport Extreme as a Time Machine backup
Apple released two similar-looking products: the AirPort Extreme and the AirPort Time Capsule. The former is a wireless router and repeater, while the latter can also act as a backup disk due to its built-in HDD.
If you only have the AirPort Extreme, you can still use it as a Time Machine backup by connecting an external HDD or SSD to its USB port. However, you will first need to format the drive in Disk Utility to either Mac OS Extended (Journaled) or APFS so that it is readable by the Extreme.
To set up the AirPort Extreme as a Time Machine backup, follow these steps:
- Connect the AirPort Extreme to your router using the "o" network cable port on the back.
- Plug an external HDD or SSD into the USB 2.0 Port on the AirPort Extreme.
- Open Disk Utility and format the drive to either Mac OS Extended (Journaled) or APFS.
- Open the Time Machine preferences on your Mac and select the newly formatted drive as the backup disk.
- Follow any additional on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
It is important to note that some users have reported issues with using Time Machine through an AirPort Extreme to a USB drive, particularly with the Ventura operating system. If you encounter problems, you may need to try alternative solutions, such as using a Synology network drive or a different router with a USB jack.
Additionally, Apple discontinued the AirPort Time Capsule and AirPort Extreme routers in 2018, and AirPort Time Capsule backups will no longer be supported starting with macOS 27 in 2026. Therefore, it is recommended to explore other backup options for long-term use.
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Connecting to a Verizon router
Apple released two similar-looking products with distinct functionalities: the AirPort Extreme and the AirPort Time Capsule. The former functions as a wireless router and repeater, while the latter acts as a wireless router, repeater, and backup disk due to its built-in HDD.
In 2018, Apple discontinued both products, and AirPort Time Capsule backups will no longer be supported starting with macOS 27 in 2026. However, you can still connect your Time Capsule to a Verizon router by following these steps:
First, disable the wireless and routing functions on your Time Capsule or your Verizon router. It is recommended to bridge your Time Capsule, which essentially turns it into a network-enabled hard drive. To do this, disconnect all Ethernet cables from your Time Capsule and connect it to your computer using an Ethernet cable plugged into one of the Time Capsule's LAN ports. Ensure your computer is only connected to the Time Capsule and not to any other router or modem.
Next, launch Airport Utility and select your Time Capsule from the window. Press edit, and then update. Your Time Capsule will reboot and save your changes. After this, disconnect your computer, re-enable your Wi-Fi, and connect to your Verizon Wi-Fi network. Finally, use an Ethernet cable to connect your Time Capsule to your Verizon router's WAN port. Your Verizon router will then assign an IP address to your Time Capsule, and the Time Capsule's hard drive should become accessible on any device connected to the Verizon network.
Note that you can also use Airport Utility to quickly format your Time Capsule's hard drive, allowing for easy erasing and archiving.
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Frequently asked questions
Airport Extreme acts as a wireless router, while Time Capsule acts as both a wireless router and a backup disk due to its built-in HDD.
Yes, you can connect Time Capsule to Airport Extreme by adding it to your existing Wi-Fi network using Bridge Mode.
Bridge Mode turns your Time Capsule or Airport Extreme into a network device that doesn't assign IP addresses or act as a router. Instead, it passes network traffic through to your existing router.
First, unplug all the Ethernet cables to disconnect it from your existing network. Next, connect your laptop to your Time Capsule or Airport Extreme using an Ethernet cable plugged into one of the Airport's LAN ports. Make sure your computer is connected only to the Airport device and not to the network of another router or modem. We recommend turning off the Wi-Fi to ensure you are only connected to your Airport device. Then launch Airport Utility and select Airport Time Capsule or Airport Extreme from the window and press edit. Once done, press 'Update' and your Time Capsule or Airport Extreme will reboot and save your changes. At this point, disconnect your laptop, re-enable your Wi-Fi, and connect your laptop to your Wi-Fi network. Then use an Ethernet cable to connect your Time Capsule or Airport Extreme's WAN port to your router.
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