[BlueApple]

I've been using Linksys router for years, but now I'm ready to upgrade to 802.11n based router.

When setting up my old Linksys router, a Ethernet cable connected to a PC is required. I see that Apple has an AirPort Express iOS app. So can I set it up via iPhone wirelessly?

[dmegatool]

Yes

[Wyatt]

Yep, you sure can:

http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/#setup

[PB PM]

What, N? The AC standard is going to be released sooon (draft Routers are just coming out now), get with the program!

[pscates2.0]

What does the new AC version bring? I was just hearing about it on some podcast the other day (Siracusa's, maybe).

EDIT: I just Googled it, and read the Wikipedia entry. I didn't understand a damn word.

I guess it's faster?

[chucker]

Yup. Roughly factor ten.

[Mugge]

The new APE also has a LAN port now. That means it can also be used to hook up a NAS if Time Capsule is not your thing.

Originally Posted by Apple.com 10/100BASE-T Ethernet WAN port for connecting a DSL modem, cable modem, or Ethernet network 10/100BASE-T Ethernet LAN port for connecting a computer, Ethernet hub, or networked printer

I wonder if this means that you can also daisy chain them?

[pscates2.0]

I have a question. I don't have a Time Capsule, but I do have the old-style (plug directly into the wall) AirPort Express and a 1TB Western Digital external USB hard drive that I use for Time Machine backup.

If I wind up going with a laptop on my next go around, is there a way I can somehow meld these two existing (or even if I had to buy the new AirPort Express) into a wireless backup setup? A little homebrew Time Capsule, using the Express and my existing USB hard drive?

I don't want to have to keep the MacBook connected (or remember to connect it to do ongoing backups), nor do I want to shell out $300 for a Time Capsule if I can kinda piece a similar solution together with what I already have.

I don't know why I haven't thought about this before.



Or is that not technically doable?

I guess I should go read Apple's site before asking bonehead questions...

[PB PM]

You should be able to use the USB2 port to plug a drive in and use it as a Time Machine drive.

[pscates2.0]

That's what I was thinking, but the new AirPort Express section at Apple's site doesn't explicitly say this. However, the AirPort Extreme section talks about connecting a hard drive to the USB port and using it as a "networked" drive, available to others, etc.

I just Googled and apparently the USB port on the AirPort Express is only for wireless printing. I don't know what the difference is, or why it's so, but I'm seeing a big "no" in multiple places (including Apple's support forums) for people wanting to plug in a USB hard drive and make their own little Time Capsule-y wireless backup.

But I'm open to suggestions and further info in case everything I'm reading is uninformed bullcrap.

[Chellovek]

I successfully use a usb HDD in an airport extreme as a time machine backup location. I guess the fact that it's not supported just reflects apple's inability to guarantee that a particular 3rd party usb hdd is going to work. No idea if this really helps you with the express!

[dmegatool]

I remember seeing threads about external HD not being detected for Time Machine backup. But I think that was like when TM got launched. You could bypass this by putting a certain file on it... Think that time is behind us and it just works now.

Anyway the question isn't about Time Machine as you can always work around even if Apple doesn't support it. The question is more it you can plug an HDD in the express... I think you can't. Maybe with a NAS enclosure? Should come cheap on eBay or whatever.