Airport time capsule slow network

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Level 1

9 points

Airport time capsule slow network

My airport time capsule is setup with a 2.4 network(main)that also has a 5ghz option enabled, and a guest 2.4 network. All the networks are secured. Lately (last 2 weeks or so) only the main network has been experiencing very slow response. The speed test on the main network is running at about 11.9 download speed on the 2.4 but 234 download on both the 5ghz, and guest network. We can identify all the devices that show via the time capsule app and nothing is new or unexpected. The latest device additions were an Apple watch 2 months ago and and an old iPad was replaced with a new m1 iPad about 3 weeks ago. Everything else has remained the same. The slow response on the main network occurs when there is no streaming and the devices are directly in line with the time capsule. The time capsule has not been moved in 2 years. We have rebooted the time capsule and the cable modem multiple times with no change. The speed on the main 2.4 network does at times get better, but we have not seen any correlation to anything when it gets better. Any ideas on what is causing this and how to fix it?

Posted on Aug 10, 2021 2:19 PM

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Answer 1

Aug 10, 2021 6:18 PM in response to mishakamisha

The Guest Network is a simultaneous dual band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network. The Guest Network could not be only 2.4 GHz if you are picking up any speeds greater than 130 Mbps, since Apple limits 2.4 GHz signals to a maximum speed of 130 Mbps.

It might be worth the time to test out the main the network the same way.......as a simultaneous 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network.....which is the default setting on the AirPorts and Time Capsule, to see how things behave using that setting.

If you decide to do this, you will need to remove the check mark next to 5 GHz Network Name in Wireless Options in AirPort Utility, click to Save the new setting, then click Update to restart the Time Capsule.

If speeds are still slow on 2.4 GHz, then the Time Capsule's age may be a factor. 5 years on average is about it as far as the useful life of a Time Capsule or AirPort router.

The 2.4 GHz network started acting up first as well on my Time Capsule, which was about 6 years old at the time.

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Answer 2

mishakamisha Author

Level 1

9 points

Aug 10, 2021 7:02 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Thank you. Looks like I need to look at replacing the Airport Time Capsule and the supporting Airport Express. Any suggestions are appreciated. I was extending my network to a guest house about 50' away from the Time Capsule, and it was working now to figure it out again... hopefully it will be easier this time.

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Answer 3

mishakamisha Author

Level 1

9 points

Aug 10, 2021 5:59 PM in response to LaPastenague

Thanks for the suggestion. I tried a couple of channels and there was no change. The main 2.4ghz network is still really slow, while the 2.4ghz guest network and main 5ghz are fast. I've had the AC model for about 6 1/2 yrs.

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Answer 4

mishakamisha Author

Level 1

9 points

Aug 10, 2021 7:38 PM in response to Bob Timmons

I had already removed the express from the network when I changed the network password on the time capsule, and the speed was still slow. Tested the network speed after I forgot the Airport express, still slow. Since the network slowness just started happening in the past few weeks, and there had not been any changes in the network until today (when the password was changed), I tend to think it is the age of the system, and time to embrace the idea of a smart home. The explanations make sense to what we were seeing. Thanks again.

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Answer 5

mishakamisha Author

Level 1

9 points

Aug 10, 2021 7:41 PM in response to LaPastenague

Thank you for the recommendation and your help in figuring this issue out. The network speed in slow 15 feet from the time capsule and super slow near the airport express. I appreciate all the help and and how quick it was.

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Answer 6

Aug 10, 2021 4:50 PM in response to mishakamisha

First thing I would do is try changing channels.

Go to the Airport Utility and select the TC.. go to the wireless tab and select wireless options.

If you are not using a different wifi name for 5ghz it can help. I recommend all wifi names to be short, no spaces and pure alphanumerics.

Then on the 2.4ghz band select a channel. I have 2 selected here but the standard channels are 1, 6, 11 .. some people have good results with 8 or 9. They overlap so no need to test them all.

On your laptop check the actual speeds and also do some wifi checks in the space you run the TC.

Hold down option key and click wifi fan..

There is lots of useful info here. The Tx rate is link speed from computer to the TC. 217Mbps is absolute max available in Apple world usually so that will translate into max speeds of around 100Mbps real world. And could drop to half that with lots of clients. Divide the Tx rate by 2 or 3 and in some cases even 4 to get real world.

What model is your TC? Is it the AC model .. i.e. taller one. They can definitely give trouble after a few years and need replacement. 5 years is usually max working life.

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Answer 7

Aug 10, 2021 7:24 PM in response to mishakamisha

This is the first time that an AirPort Express has been mentioned, and extended networks are always more difficult to troubleshoot.

Temporarily, power off the AirPort Express and check to see how well devices are connecting to the Time Capsule. You may find that connections are working fine now. If not, then it is safe to assume that the Time Capsule is heading downhill.

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Answer 8

Aug 10, 2021 7:23 PM in response to mishakamisha

Your slow speed will be due to the Extend wireless.. which will halve the already slow speed of the Express since it has much poorer wireless than the TC.

Mesh is the replacement.. Apple sells the Linksys MX4200 (AX4200 router plus nodes)

No need to buy from Apple and lots of other products available but the Linksys supports home kit.

Just look at the reviews for wifi 6 mesh.

eg

https://dongknows.com/best-wi-fi-6-mesh-systems/

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Airport time capsule slow network

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