Apple AirPort Networks User Manual

 Behind the Scenes

 

This section describes the different network interfaces of the Time Capsule and 
describes the functions it can provide.

To use your Time Capsule, you configure how its networking interfaces will be used. 
The Time Capsule has five hardware networking interfaces: 

 AirPort interface:  The AirPort interface creates an AirPort network for AirPort-

enabled computers to join. The Time Capsule can provide IP services such as DHCP 
and NAT using this interface. The Time Capsule cannot use the AirPort interface to 
establish a connection with the Internet.

 Ethernet WAN (<) interface:  Use the Ethernet WAN interface to connect DSL 

or cable modems and connect to the Internet.

 Ethernet LAN (G) interface:  The Time Capsule has three Ethernet LAN interface 

ports. You can use them to provide IP services to local Ethernet clients.

 USB (d) interface:  Use the USB interface to connect a USB printer to the Time 

Capsule.

This section describes the different network interfaces of the AirPort Express Base 
Station and describes the functions the base station can provide.

To set up the AirPort Express Base Station, you configure how its networking interfaces 
will be used. The AirPort Express Base Station has four hardware networking interfaces: 

 AirPort interface:  The AirPort interface creates an AirPort network for AirPort-

enabled computers to join. The base station can provide IP services such as DHCP 
and NAT using this interface. The base station cannot use the AirPort interface to 
establish a connection with the Internet.

 Ethernet WAN (<) interface:  Use the Ethernet WAN interface to connect DSL 

or cable modems and connect to the Internet.

 USB (d) interface:  Use the USB interface to connect a USB printer to the 

AirPort Extreme Base Station.

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G

≤

∏

d

Status light

Ethernet WAN port

Power port

Reset button

USB port

Ethernet ports

Security slot