Verizon JetPack question

[testcase]

I have an Apple Time Machine (Model A1254, 1 TB). Can I connect a Verizon 4g/LTE JetPack to provide internet via a USB Tether into the Time Machine's USB port? If so, how? I have a number of devices that are already linked to my Time Machine so, if I could just have the Time Machine pick up the JetPack's output (via USB Tether), it would save me a lot of configuring said devices. I've looked in the Airport Utility but don't see the option I'm hoping I can use. I figure if it's possible, a wise forum member will know how. :boink: TIA!

[Chakravartin]

testcase wrote:
I have an Apple Time Machine (Model A1254, 1 TB). Can I connect a Verizon 4g/LTE JetPack to provide internet via a USB Tether into the Time Machine's USB port?

No.

[space-time]

Can you rename the SSID of the Jetpack to match the SSID of the Time Capsule and also use the same encryption and same password, then the devices may connect to the Jetpack (but turn off the time capsule).

[silvarios]

Nope. Sorry. Would have been a cool feature and something I wish my old AirPort Extreme was similarly capable as well. I sold the Extreme last year, partly because of the same limitation. A router with OpenWRT (Gargoyle is a nice user friendly interface to use on top of OpenWRT) can handle such a connection. Picking the best OpenWRT or Gargoyle capable router is a bit of a chore.

[silvarios]

space-time wrote:
Can you rename the SSID of the Jetpack to match the SSID of the Time Capsule and also use the same encryption and same password, then the devices may connect to the Jetpack (but turn off the time capsule).

As long as the Time Capsule was not needed for backups, yes. I've migrated my mom's routers a few times this way. Her devices never know the difference if the new router is set up the same way. If the Time Capsule is still needed, no easy way to connect it to the JetPack via Wireless (lack of client bridge mode, maybe WDS would work???) or Ethernet (mobile hotspots tend not to have Ethernet ports).

[silvarios]

In the case of wanting to use the Time Capsule in conjunction with the JetPack, you can bridge the two with an Ethernet wireless adapter or a router running a firmware which enables a client bridge mode over wireless. I had a similar setup for several months. Can go into more detail if needed.

[RAMd®d]

Oh.

[testcase]

6/4/14 update:

silvarious, you da man!

I just dug out my WiFiRanger Router/AccessPoint/Bridge. I powered it up and plugged my JetPack in (in Tether mode) via USB. A little bit of automatic handshaking between devices and, I'm now online via MBP Airport ~ Apple Time Capsule ethernet ~ WiFi Ranger ~ USB cable to my JetPack. My other devices are connecting to my Time Capsule and, all is well here. It's great to NOT have to reconfigure the myriad of WiFi devices I have. Thank you so much!

[silvarios]

Glad it worked! I love making stuff work with little to no additional cost. Very gratifying feeling.