Roberta Aguirre
Apple's AirPort Time Capsule is a Wi-Fi router that was introduced in 2008. It includes a hard drive that, when combined with OS X's Time Machine feature, can wirelessly back up all your Macs. Apple continued to add new features like dual-band support for simultaneous 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz connections, and guest networks. However, the AirPort Base Station line was last updated in 2013, and Apple has since exited the Wi-Fi router business. While Apple is no longer producing AirPort Time Capsules, existing users can continue to use them as routers and even replace their old routers with an AirPort Time Capsule.
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What You'll Learn
Apple is exiting the Wi-Fi router business
The Time Capsule, introduced in 2008, included a hard drive that could wirelessly back up all Macs when combined with OS X's Time Machine feature. Over the years, Apple added new features like dual-band support for simultaneous 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz connections and guest networks. However, these additions eventually slowed and stopped.
Apple's decision to exit the Wi-Fi router business may be due to the emergence of mesh networking, which allows for better and more robust coverage for larger and more irregular areas. Instead of releasing an AirPort Mesh, Apple chose to offer the Linksys Velop in its retail stores. This shift indicates that Apple may view the Wi-Fi router market as a thriving industry with multiple highly-motivated vendors that no longer rely on a platform-maker to push technology and innovation.
While Apple is exiting the Wi-Fi router business, it will continue to sell existing AirPort products while supplies last. Additionally, Apple has committed to helping customers obtain service and parts for current-generation AirPort Base Stations for the next five years and will provide knowledge-base articles to assist customers in transitioning away from AirPort products.
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AirPort Time Capsule can be used as a router
The AirPort Time Capsule can be used as a router. Introduced in 2008, the Time Capsule includes a hard drive that, when combined with OS X's Time Machine feature, can wirelessly back up all your Macs. Apple continued adding new features like dual-band support for simultaneous 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz connections, and guest networks.
To use the Time Capsule as a router, you can follow the steps outlined in the Time Capsule manual, which details how to set up the device as your main router and how to use both internal and external drives with it.
You can also add a Time Capsule to an existing network by connecting it to your modem/router via an Ethernet cable. However, it is not recommended to connect the Time Capsule to the router using Ethernet as it can mess up the network functionality. Instead, you should connect your computer to the wireless network you want the Time Capsule to join and add it to the existing network using the AirPort Utility.
Additionally, you can integrate a Time Capsule into your network without using its wireless or routing functions, essentially making it a network-enabled hard drive and gigabit switch. To do this, you can configure the Time Capsule for wired Bridge Mode by disabling its wireless functions and setting it to Bridge Mode. This tells the Time Capsule not to assign its own IP addresses to connected devices but to pass along the assignments from the primary router.
While Apple has exited the Wi-Fi router business, the AirPort Time Capsule, along with AirPort Express and AirPort Extreme, will continue to be sold while supplies last.
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AirPort Time Capsule alternatives
Apple's AirPort Time Capsule is no longer available, leaving users to find alternatives to the router-and-storage hybrid device.
One option is to use a modern Wi-Fi router with a USB3 port, to which you can attach an external storage drive. For example, the TP-Link WiFi 6 Router, AX3000 Dual Band WiFi Router, which can be paired with a Samsung T7 Shield, Portable External Solid-State Drive.
Another option is to use a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device, such as the Synology DS120J or DS220J, or the Western Digital My Cloud Home, which is a cloud appliance. The benefit of a NAS device is that it can act as a Plex server, which is better than using a Mac to serve your music and movie library. However, it requires more technical skill to set up.
If you want to use a NAS device but don't want to give up your router, you can use a Time Capsule without attaching it to a router. You will need a Time Capsule (any model; an AirPort Extreme with an attached drive should work too) and AirPort Utility v5.6.1 Launcher from ZCS.
Another option is to use a router that has a USB 3.0 port and plug in an SSD, which can be set up as a NAS. For example, the Asus RT2900 router, which can be used with any SSD and a USB-A to USBC cable.
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AirPort Time Capsule is discontinued
The AirPort Time Capsule is a wireless router sold by Apple Inc. It was introduced on January 15, 2008, and released on February 29, 2008. The device has been upgraded several times, with the latest model released in 2013. However, in 2016, Apple disbanded its wireless router development team, and in 2018, the entire AirPort line of products, including the AirPort Time Capsule, was discontinued without replacement.
The AirPort Time Capsule was a unique product, offering a router with a built-in hard drive designed to store backups of a Mac using Time Machine. While Apple and authorized resellers continued to sell existing stock of the AirPort Time Capsule after the discontinuation, it is no longer available.
With the discontinuation of the AirPort Time Capsule, there is no longer an Apple-made solution for wireless backups. Customers seeking similar functionality will need to consider alternative options, such as purchasing a separate router and network-attached storage (NAS) device or choosing a router from another brand that supports Time Machine backups to a separate USB hard drive.
It is important to note that using an old AirPort Time Capsule for critical tasks like backing up data in 2022 and beyond is not recommended due to the risk of data loss. While the device may have served users well in the past, it is essential to recognize when it's time to retire it and explore alternative solutions to ensure data safety and take advantage of improved WiFi speeds and ranges offered by newer options.
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AirPort Time Capsule setup
The AirPort Time Capsule is a two-in-one device that acts as a Wi-Fi router and hard drive for data storage. Introduced in 2008, it allowed for the wireless and almost effortless backup of all Macs when combined with OS X's then-new Time Machine feature.
To set up an AirPort Time Capsule, you will need to follow these steps:
- Click on "Other Wireless Devices" and select "AirPort Time Capsule".
- Select "Create New Network" and click "Next".
- Follow the prompts to name your network. You can name the network anything you want, such as your last name or something creative.
- Create a password and restart your modem.
- Connect an Ethernet cable to the Time Capsule and the broadband modem or router.
- Plug the Time Capsule into a power outlet, preferably using a surge protector to prevent any damage in case of electrical issues.
Once the above steps are completed, your network setup is finished. You can further customize your setup by opening the Time Machine app and checking the "Back Up Automatically" box to ensure your computer is always backed up. Additionally, you can enable diagnostics and usage data to be sent to Apple if desired.
Please note that Apple has exited the Wi-Fi router business, and the AirPort Base Station line was last updated in 2013.
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Frequently asked questions
The AirPort Time Capsule is a device that can be used to set up or extend a wireless network. It provides automatic wireless backup of up to 3TB of data.
Yes, the AirPort Time Capsule can be used as a router. However, Apple has discontinued the product and is exiting the Wi-Fi router business.
To replace your router with an AirPort Time Capsule, select the Wi-Fi network your AirPort is replacing and enter its password. Then, copy over the station's settings and switch over any Ethernet wires from your old router.
