Understanding Cox In-Home WiFi

A wireless network is a group of devices, such as computers, game systems, and e-readers, that are connected to each other and to the internet without cables. This is also commonly referred to as WiFi. WiFi users can exchange documents and data with each other, print to the same printers, and share hardware that is connected to the network.



Cox In-Home WiFi allows you to do all of the following.

• Share your internet connection - Multiple users in your household can access the internet at once and share photos, music, or important files.
• Connect anywhere in the home, wirelessly - Break free from the wires, and connect wirelessly while on the couch, by the pool, or almost anywhere in your home.
• Save money - Pay for only one internet connection.

Cox offers free telephone-based support for customers who rent a Panoramic Wifi Gateway, WiFi modem, or WiFi Internet and Telephone modem, including the following.

• Limited WiFi connectivity support of up to five common entertainment or communication WiFi-enabled devices such as smartphones, tablets, e-readers, and gaming consoles.
  • Assistance with the management of WiFi modems rented from Cox.
  • Assistance with the WiFi network name (SSID) and password for WiFi modems rented from Cox.
• Ongoing troubleshooting for the WiFi network and eligible connected WiFi devices.
• Assistance with setting up and using Panoramic Wifi features such as Panoramic Wifi Pods and the Panoramic Wifi app.

Common Terms and Definitions

• In-Home WiFi - Allows users to share Cox Internet with multiple devices.
• Panoramic Wifi - The Panoramic Wifi Gateway, an all-in-one modem and router, automatically optimizes the WiFi network to deliver WiFi throughout the home. See our Panoramic Wifi page to learn more.
• Panoramic Wifi Pods - Devices that pair with a Panoramic Wifi gateway and are controlled from the Cox Panoramic Wifi app to create a mesh WiFi network. Mesh WiFi networks are designed to increase WiFi coverage but not increase speeds. See our Panoramic Wifi Pods page to learn more.
• WiFi Modem - A device that functions as both a modem and a router. The device provides a connection to the Internet through a cable that also transmits a WiFi signal. The WiFi signal allows WiFi-connected devices the ability to access the internet through the modem.
• WiFi Internet & Telephone Modem - A combination telephone and WiFi modem.
• Signal Range - The area in which a wireless-capable device can pick up the wireless signal and connect to the wireless network.
• Network Name (SSID) - The name of a wireless network.
• Network Password (Key) - The password used to connect to a wireless network.

Equipment Requirements for Optimal Experience

Cox only recommends and provides certified DOCSIS 3.0 and DOCSIS 3.1 equipment to ensure the best and fastest internet experience, and provides the latest in WiFi technology.

DOCSIS 3.1 is the very latest Data Over Cable Systems Interface Specification (DOCSIS), and includes many new, advanced performance-enhancing features that are not available on DOCSIS 1.0, 1.1, 2.0, or 3.0 devices.

If you are purchasing WiFi equipment, then 802.11ac Dual Band is recommended.

Current WiFi Technology

The most common WiFi specification in use today is 802.11ac, which can operate in both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz RF spectrums. Some WiFi client devices may only use one spectrum, with 2.4GHz single band devices being the most common. The 802.11ac technology is also becoming available in many devices.

It is very important to make sure to operate your router or gateway in the RF spectrum that is compatible with your WiFi client devices, 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz.

• If you have 802.11g or 802.11b client devices, you will want to make sure to use 2.4 GHz.
• If you have dual band 802.11n client devices, then you may choose either SSID, 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, from your dual band router or gateway.
• If you only have a single band router or gateway, then you will need to use the 2.4 GHz band.

It is also important to understand that older legacy WiFi client devices using 802.11g or 802.11b can slow down the wireless network for all connected users. When possible, try to only use 802.11n client devices to optimize your wireless network’s performance.

Internet Speeds

A wired Ethernet connection always provides the fastest speeds. But in today's wireless world, it is important to know how to optimize your In-Home WiFi Network to achieve the best speeds and connectivity. To learn how to optimize your In-Home WiFi Network, see Ways to Improve Your In-Home WiFi Network.

Cox Internet advertised speeds are based upon a direct connection to the Internet or phone modem. Actual performance will vary, depending on many factors, including interference with other wireless devices, the amount of bandwidth others are using, and obstructions such as walls between you and the wireless router. Other factors could include the following.

• Your WiFi client, such as computer, tablet, printer, mobile device, Smart TV, distance from the router or gateway.
• Obstacles between your WiFi client and router / gateway.
• Your WiFi network security type.
• Your WiFi client equipment type (802.11b / 802.11g / 802.11n / 802.11ac).
• The number of simultaneously connected WiFi clients.
• Normal WiFi interference from other wireless networks or non-WiFi wireless devices in the area.

Security Settings

Security is important for securing and encrypting the connection between your router or WiFi modem and your wireless WiFi client so that unauthorized persons cannot use your bandwidth and slow your speeds. The type of security you choose is important to maximize your wireless network’s performance.

Today, the only IEEE and WiFi Alliance approved WiFi security method is WPA2-PSK (AES) security, and it is the security encryption method that provides the best performance on your network. Some very old WiFi client devices may not support this method, so be aware if you must choose older security methods like WEP or WPA-PSK (TKIP) your wireless network performance may be degraded.

Additional Questions and Answers

View the following frequently asked questions about Cox In-Home WiFi.