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Internet

MAXIMIZING YOUR DEVICE WIFI SPEEDS

Get the most from your connections

Let’s take a look at what affects your devices’ internet performance and their wifi speeds, plus some simple steps you can take to improve them.

What affects internet speed

There are many factors that have an impact on your internet speed, but understanding the three most common ones can help keep your connection in the fast lane:

Your devices

Older devices or hardware sometimes aren’t capable of supporting fast speeds, which can make the connection slower.

Sharing connection

When multiple devices are surfing, streaming and gaming at the same time, this can reduce your internet’s overall bandwidth.

Gateway position

Distance, other electronics and physical structures between you and your Gateway (or router) can interfere with your connection speed.

Tips to help improve your speed

Here are a few different ways you can give your everyday connections a boost:

Think about upload speeds

For remote working and virtual learning, make sure your plan has 1-2 Mbps upload speed per person or higher. If you’re video conferencing and experience freezing, try turning off your video.

Update at night

Set your device updates and backups to the cloud (photos, files, etc.) to run overnight, so that your bandwidth is freed up during the day.

Use an ethernet cable

Cox Internet is super fast, but plugging in your ethernet cable to your computer will create a direct connection to your plan’s fastest speeds.

Change camera settings

If your home has security cameras, set them to a lower setting or turn them off when not needed. Issues with video calls can also be from other devices using up bandwidth.

Set limits

Keep track of how your internet is being used. Online activities that use a lot of data, like gaming or video chats, can slow down the wifi for everyone else.

Check on your tech

Get the best of your internet with these equipment tips:

Turn off inactive devices

More connected devices means a slower network. Turn off any devices you aren’t using to get faster speeds.

Upgrade older equipment

If your Gateway is four years or older, it is time to upgrade. When looking at wifi devices, look for terms like AC/AX, Dual Band and Wi-fi 5/Wi-fi 6.

Try our Upgrade Commitment

With the Panoramic Wifi Gateway, you’re eligible for regular equipment upgrades—all with no upgrade fees.

The best location for your Gateway

Where you place your Gateway (or router) impacts how well it delivers speed across your home. Here are a few tips for choosing a spot:

Find a central location

Your Gateway sends out a wifi signal in all directions, so place it in the center of your home to get the most coverage.

Think open spaces

Place your Gateway on a shelf or countertop over three feet high, and avoid storing in a cabinet or closet—this reduces speed and the distance your signal will travel.

Avoid interference

There are a number of objects that can reduce or interfere with your signal like thick walls, reflective surfaces and fish tanks, as well as electronic devices and other wifi devices. For tough-to-reach places with interference, try Panoramic Wifi Pods for a signal extension.

Check your device’s wifi speed

If you’re worried that your internet’s not performing at its best on your device, run our speed test or download the Ookla Speedtest app to double check

Take the speed test

Looking for more?

How data usage works

See how online activity and devices impact your monthly data usage.

Learn about data usage

Add an additional data plan

Learn how to enroll in an additional data plan for your internet service.

View enrollment details

Opt out of additional data plan

Follow these step-by-step instructions to remove your additional data plan.

View opt out details

*Cox cannot guarantee the intended results from the McAfee® services or that the McAfee® software will be error-free, free from interruptions or other failures. The McAfee® services and features are subject to change. McAfee® is a registered trademark of McAfee®, Inc.

Internet service details. All services and plans subject to Cox's Residential Customer Term Agreement (including mandatory arbitration provisions), Acceptable Use Policy (including Cox’s right to terminate service for abuse of network), and other policies. See Annual Notice Information for related information and your privacy rights as a Cox customer. For all Cox Communications policies regarding our services and business practices visit www.cox.com/aboutus/policies.html.

Prices, and/or when applicable, term agreements, may differ from those presented here as a result of customer’s existing account features, such as pricing, bundles, term agreements, or service address. Pricing, packages, and policies are subject to change. Other restrictions may apply.

All Cox Internet plans include 1.25 TB (1280 GB) per month of data usage. Unlimited and 500 GB Additional Data Plans can be added for an additional monthly charge. For data usage in excess of plan, 50 GB blocks of data will be automatically added for $10 each (max overage charge of $100 per month; $30 per month for ConnectAssist). Unused data does not roll over. See Speeds and Data Plans Information for more details on internet service and data plans. See cox.com/datausage for more details on data usage.

Prices, and/or when applicable, term agreements, may differ from those presented here as a result of customer’s existing account features, such as pricing, packages, term agreements, or service address. Pricing, packages, and policies are subject to change. Other restrictions may apply.