Apple Responds
AnswerSure they can. They still need a power source though.
- Answered by Jennifer K
- 10 May, 2018
- Flag as inappropriate Answer (will this work out doors?)
18 Questions + 31 Answers
No, only one of the nodes needs to be connected to your Internet Service provider's modem, gateway or whatever your service provider calls it. That's the whole point of Mesh WiFi basestations like the Linksys Velop, that is, they create a continuous expanded bubble of WiFi signal by talking amongst themselves via a back channel.
That said, they can also be inter-connected with an ethernet cable between nodes which takes over that back channel role with certain advantages. However, the majority of buyers of Mesh basestations do so because they want the convenience of not having to string ethernet cables between nodes. I'm one that did but I'm sure I'm in the minority.
By the way, I would not consider buying just one Mesh device as your question infers you might be considering. Plan on Buying 2 or more depending on the area you're trying to cover.
In short, No. If you want to extend an Airport Extreme, add another Airport Extreme. If you can connect the two (or more) Airports Extremes with an ethernet cable, they'll automatically operate as a Mesh system though alas Apple never promoted their Mesh capabilities. Alternatively replace your Airport Extreme with two or more Mesh devices like the Linksys Velop.
Put your time capsule in bridge mode and turn networking off. Then connect it via ethernet to the Velop. That way it just acts as a server for your backups. You won't want the time capsule to do any of the networking.
Can these create a new time capsule like environment for Time Machine to access storage over the network?
I almost sure it doesn't. There are two Ethernet ports and a power input. No USB. (I'm hedging because maybe someone knows how to use the Ethernet port to connect.)
I am using my AirPort as the router (FiOS connects to AirPort via an Ethernet cable) and the "main" Velops connects to the AirPort via an Ethernet cable. I have a hard drive connected to the AirPort. TimeMachine is backing up to the drive. And I can see the drive in the Finder>Shared>"My AirPort">8GB Seagate
If you have to use a cable router, you can probably connect an AirPort to that and then the Velops. This gets to be more connections and possible confusion than one would want. And it assumes you already have an AirPort.
This Linksys Velop WiFi Mesh system does not interfere with VOIP service provided by a standard VOIP modem where the modem's phone output port is connected to the home's telephone wiring and one of modem's ethernet output ports is connected to the primary Velop in the normal manner.
I love the ease of use of the Airport Utility. Is it compatible with non-Apple routers?
Unfortunately it does not. The Airport utility only sees apple routers. It's a shame that Apple is letting these routers go their sysstem for set up and managing is second to none. I used to have Linksys routers and getting them to work with even their own brand was a pain. So I will try to buy a few airport express to have as back up for when one fails :(
Just would like to know, if this device can be used in but voltages 110v and 220v, so I can use it in Brazil when I came back.
Likely not. Your FIOS is a modem, in that it should have a coaxial cable input on the back. The linksys is a router, that is, it pushes wifi out to devices and has no coax input.. I have an Airport Extreme, and connect from my modem to the router via ethernet.
My current SP router is located in the study which has concrete walls - most of the rooms in the house are bounded by internal concrete walls which has caused me internet connection problems when employing the normal router-extender technologies - internet is sporadic
Will this solution, combined with my Airport Router, solve my existing problems?
Sure they can. They still need a power source though.
Yes, you can. When you go through the set up process, you add one node at a time. If you only add one, that's absolutely fine.
Download the APP... Plug the first node into your ISP’s router with an Ethernet cable... then follow the APP instructions. Easy Peasy.
It depends on the layout of your house, location of the router, and distance to your garage. If the garage is 20ft from your office, and that's where the router is, then yes. If your garage is 100ft away and your router is on the second or third floors of a house, it still may, but it will be extremely weak.