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stuart6770's avatar
stuart6770
Joining in
6 months ago
Solved

Moving to mesh and keeping Time Capsule

Hello.  I’d like to strengthen the WiFi system in parts of the house furthest from my Virgin hub while retaining Apple TimeCapsule functionality.  Current set up is hub in modem mode connected to TimeCapsule which connects to a couple of AirPort Extremes to extend the signal.  My Apple Music library sits on the TimeCapsule (and separate Sonos system is pointed to it). All works fine but would like to improve WiFi speeds.  Next to TimeCapsule I get 500+ Mbps.  In furthest parts of house that can drop to 20 Mbps or below. 

My question is - would a Mesh system improve things (replacing the Airport Extemes) and would it be as simple as just turning off WiFi signal if TimeCapsule and connecting it to first part of mesh system (rather than hub)?

Thank you

  • Client62's avatar
    Client62
    6 months ago

    How about keeping the existing configuration as that is working fine & doing what your require,
    and add a Wi-Fi Mesh configured in Access Point mode to extend the Wi-Fi coverage to more rooms.

    The first Mesh unit would be network cable connected to a Gigabit LAN port of Time Capsule.

    If the existing set up and a Mesh in AP mode all provided the same SSID / Password the devices would
    have seamless coverage around the house without need for changes to the Wi-Fi settings of mobiles / laptops.

  • Client62's avatar
    Client62
    Alessandro Volta
    6 months ago

    How about keeping the existing configuration as that is working fine & doing what your require,
    and add a Wi-Fi Mesh configured in Access Point mode to extend the Wi-Fi coverage to more rooms.

    The first Mesh unit would be network cable connected to a Gigabit LAN port of Time Capsule.

    If the existing set up and a Mesh in AP mode all provided the same SSID / Password the devices would
    have seamless coverage around the house without need for changes to the Wi-Fi settings of mobiles / laptops.

    • stuart6770's avatar
      stuart6770
      Joining in
      6 months ago

      Thanks for your advice.  So the set up would be Virgin hub -> Apple TimeCapsule -> Mesh System (replacing the Airport Extremes). Sounds straightforward….  Any recommendations for Mesh systems that would work well and be easy to set up?

      • stuart6770's avatar
        stuart6770
        Joining in
        6 months ago

        Sorry - one more Q… Would I need to change the TimeCapsuke mode (I.e. switch off its WiFi signal)?

  • jbrennand's avatar
    jbrennand
    Very Insightful Person
    6 months ago

    I run a similar set up (see my sig) ...   but note that the Expresses are all 10/100 so you will never get speeds up/down above that and if the distanced devices are connecting to them and speeds will be much lower as well.

    So basically - yes - replace the Expresses - their time has been and gone.

  • Roger_Gooner's avatar
    Roger_Gooner
    Alessandro Volta
    6 months ago

    A mesh system would replace all the non-VM kit you have, so if you install a Deco you'd also install as many additional Decos as you'd need. The hub would remain in modem mode as mesh units usually have their own DHCP server.

  • Client62's avatar
    Client62
    Alessandro Volta
    6 months ago

    I would retain and use the Expresses as well as the Mesh nodes.  
    May as well have plenty of Wi-Fi coverage and make continued use of all of your kit.