Time Machine Backup Wireless Hard Drive
Previous 'Discussions' questions found on this topic are many years old and say that Apple does not support wireless Time Machine
There have been a number of recent discussions about this topic, as a result of newer 'mesh' wireless systems that are being introduced to the market.
File System Considerations. Before we get to Thunderbolt 3, we need to address a basic building. A Network Attached Storage device can provide shared storage, a Time Machine backup target, and additional useful features for Mac, iPhone, and iPad users on a local area network — and beyond.
As far as 'support', Apple has always expected that folks that use Time Machine to back up their Macs to a Time Capsule will use the WiFi provided by the Time Capsule, or another Apple AirPort router.
So, Apple does not 'officially' support backups to a Time Capsule over a third party wireless network. That being said, in most cases users who have tried this have found that backups will still occur over a third party wireless network.
So things will usually work OK with this type of setup, but the 'rub' here is that if they don't, Apple will not help you resolve the issues with the third party wireless.....even if you are willing to pay.
The bottom line.....you won't really know how well....or if....Time Machine backups will work over a third party wireless network until you try them out on your own network. Great if things work, but not so great if they don't, and you have to set up the Time Capsule for Time Machine backups the way that Apple wants you to do.....since you will likely have to manually 'switch' networks when you want to back up a Mac to the Time Capsule.
It would be easy to connect one of these drives to each MBP
Time Machine Backup External Drive
Not only would it be easy, it would be significantly less expensive, faster, and more reliable than a Time Capsule. And....this type of setup would be supported by Apple.
Wireless Backup Hard Drive Reviews
Another possible issue is that Apple has not changed or updated the hardware on the Time Capsule in over 4 years, but the price remains the same.
Jan 16, 2018 7:06 PM