Apple Time Capsule have good range? and other questions

[yOyOYoo]

I've been looking to upgrade our Wifi Router for something with more range and faster speeds. Most importantly, I'm looking for a device that is stable and won't randomly lose wireless signal. My 2008 D Link has really been showing it's age.

I picked up a Netgear Nighthawk x6s at Costco and it seems to be constantly dropping wireless signal every few days. I'm looking for a more dependable Wifi router and hoping the Apple Time Capsule can fit the bill. I like that I can wirelessly backup our Macbooks as a bonus.

I have a few questions about the Time Capsule

1. How is the wireless range? We have a 2500 sqft home.
2. If I have an external hard drive connected to my macbook, will the contents be backed up in the Time Capsule?
3. Any chance an updated Time Capsule will be released by Apple? Looks like the current one was released in 2013.

Thank you!

 

[Richdmoore]

I have the 2013 time capsule (3 tb drive I think.)

1. I have a smaller house (1700 sq ft) single level and only us the 5Ghz band, no issues with my WiFi range. It may depend on the router placement, number of floors, wall material in your house, etc. You may want to consider a mesh type router system if you have problems in your home with WiFi range.

2. I think you can configure time machine to back up an external drive, but they are normally excluded. Check the time machine settings options. I have never used a time machine backup for anything other than the main system drive (external SSD in my case), so I can't provide further advice.

3. It has been reported that apple's internal router staff has been disbanded, and all of apple's routers may be discontinued soon. Recently, apple started selling a mesh router system alongside it's own router in Apple retail/online stores. That points to apple leaving the router business.

https://www.macrumors.com/2018/01/10/apple-now-selling-linksys-velop-wifi-system/

https://www.macrumors.com/2016/11/21/apple-ceases-airport-wireless/

I love my current airport router, but I don't know if I would buy one today with the other options and possible abandonment of the category by Apple.

 

[Fishrrman]

Apple's wifi stuff was good in its time, but "it's time" is... over.

For a large-square-footage home, you ought to be "thinking mesh".

I suggest that you give yourself some "learning time" about which mesh systems are out there (amazon reviews are a good place to start), and then go on from there...

Even Apple now sells the Linksys "Velop".
I have one (not purchased through Apple). It works well.

 

[yOyOYoo]

After doing a ton of reading I've decided not to go with the Airport Time Capsule anymore. Thank you.

I'm now looking into a Ubiquiti UniFi setup.

 

[Fishrrman]

I'd also suggest Ubiquiti "Amplifi" (their home-mesh system).