I want to set up a media server for streaming of my music library via AirPlay and AirPort express to my hifi. Is there any way to use time capsule for this or do I need to get (yet) another device?
Time Capsule as media server
airplaytime-capsule
Related Solutions
You just extend the network created by one of the two devices. I.e. you start with the Time Capsule, making it create the WiFi. The AirPort Express then gets configured to just extend this network. If you've setup the Time Capsule to use the 5GHz band then yes, the Express will use that too.
It's effectively just one WiFi network (or two, if you count the 2.4GHz fallback for older/mobile devices) powered by both stations. All devices connected to that network have access to both stations and they will always get connected to the base station which is nearest. Here's this setting in the AirPort Utility:
When setting up a new network with the AirPort Utility you will be asked for this, so it's really easy and happens in two clicks/taps.
Apple also has a good support article on this: Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring an extended wireless network
It depends on the rev of Airport Express. The older Airport Express' only extended the 2.4GHz band.
The last Airport Express (before the change that makes it look like a white AppleTV) could extend either band.
The latest rev (looks like white AppleTV) will also extend either band. From what I understand, if your 2.4 & 5GHz band have the same network name, it will extend the band that has the strongest signal (since there isn't a way to select it in the Airport Setup).
If you have separately named 2.4 and 5GHz network names, then it will extend the network you specify.
Related Question
- Airport Express and AirPlay
- Single DHCP server using Airport Express as primary router and Time Time Capsule in bridge mode
- Time Capsule on Public Network
- Using Mac’s Speakers and AirPlay/Bluetooth Simultaneously
- Apple Airport – Using Time Capsule with Airport Express
- “Unexpected error” while extending Time Capsule with Airport Express
- Time Capsule – Repurpose 2TB Time Capsule as External Drive
Best Answer
My best advice would be to invest in a NAS. Their software is much better for doing what you need. Synology is my favorite as their software is very intuitive and Mac like. A NAS also lets you do more with it like backup files, use it as a web server, host a blog, download files directly to it and stream both music and videos. If you check out our forum, @ mkvxstream.blogspot.com we have links posted to live demos of both Qnap and Synology. I know it's another piece of hardware but a NAS is much more versatile than Time Capsule.