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Can I Use an AirPort Time Capsule As an External Drive for iTunes Media?

I already have a Time Capsule that I dedicate solely as a Time Machine for my MBP. I just bought an AirPort Time Capsule which I would like to use as an external hard drive for my 50GB Movie Collection (Purchased through iTunes). I have iTunes Match. My MBP ran out of space. What are the cons of doing this, if I am able?

By the way, thank you so much for all that you do Gary!
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Erika

Comments: 4 Responses to “Can I Use an AirPort Time Capsule As an External Drive for iTunes Media?”

    8 years ago

    Well, for one thing, a Time Capsule represents a single wifi network. So if you have two Time Capsules, then you have two independent networks. So it would be a real headache to have to switch between networks all the time -- one for your Internet connection and backup, another for your iTunes media.
    But Airport devices can usually "extend" a network. I do with with two Airport Extremes. One is my wifi network, with the Internet connection and the external drive for backups. The other is just an extension.
    Now I'm not sure what happens if you use a Time Capsule to "extend" your other Time Capsule. Are both drives available? Maybe. You tell me as you have them.
    But it seems that unless you really need to extend your network over a larger area, having a second Time Capsule is a waste. Just get a regular USB external hard drive and plug that into your first Time Capsule. Then share that drive and use it to store media. Much cheaper, probably much larger drive, and less fuss.
    To me, though, this seems like a lot of effort. Just a normal external drive hooked to your Mac will let you do this with one Mac. Or don't bother storing all of your movies -- you can always download them when you want to watch. They stream over Apple TV anyway. I don't have that many iTunes movie purchases, but what I do have I store NONE of it locally. If I want to see the movie again, I just use my Apple TV and stream it. No storage necessary. Same on my Mac, though it is not technically streaming -- it is download, watch, delete.

    Erika
    8 years ago

    Thank you for your prompt reply. When I installed my first TC I chose not to extend my network. My TM backups are saved wirelessly through my regular wifi network. I guess I thought the new AirPort TC would also allow me to dismiss having to extend my network, this way I could have both TC's under one wifi network along with my MBP. I would like to point out that when I bought my first TC it was called just "that"not AirPort TC but the new one I bought is called the latter. Is there a differenc?

    8 years ago

    Erika: If you don't extend your network, you'll have two. And you can only connect to one network at a time. So if one has the Internet connection, and another has your media drive, you have to choose one or the other. That's not the way to do it.
    Apple has come out with many Time Capsule and Airport Extreme models over the years. Check out the Wikipedia page to see each model and specs.

    Erika
    8 years ago

    I just wanted to thank you for your knowledge. After reading Wikipedia I now understand what you mean. Like you said, a regular USB external drive is the best option. Thank you again for your time.

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