Overview:  Configuring Time Capsule

Apple recently released Time Capsule, a WiFi base station with an internal hard drive that can be used as a wireless-accessible network disk for file sharing by Mac & PC users.  In addition, Mac users can use Time Capsule for wireless backups.  In order use a Time Capsule on campus, you must first configure it to work properly with our wireless network.  

Most users are likely to enable the device as a wireless access point in a home environment; however, user-installed wireless access points are not permitted in campus buildings, as per the Carnegie Mellon airspace guideline, since this would interfere with the existing campus wireless network.  Any attempts to use Time Capsule without first configuring it will result in creating a rogue access point, which could be removed from the network.  

Fortunately, Time Capsule can be configured to join an existing wireless network as a client, while maintaining the rest of its functionality.  Keep in mind that this means it will be accessible to everyone on Carnegie Mellon’s wireless network, so it is imperative that Time Capsule units are configured to be secure.