Does Cox Internet Include Wi-Fi?
One of the most often asked questions when registering for internet service is: This may sound a stupid question, but does the internet package you are subscribed to include a wireless router for Wi-Fi connectivity, or do you have to get it on your own? Regarding Cox Communications, one of the biggest internet service providers in the United States, the answer is more complex than a yes or no. Cox, Wi-Fi, and your internet service: Here is what should be understood. As of now here is what should be understood.
What is Wi-Fi?
Let us first describe Wi-Fi and relate it to your service(s). Wi-Fi, then, is wireless fidelity, the technology enabling devices to be linked to the internet without a connection. Link your house to the Internet using either a phone line bringing digital subscriber line (DSL) Internet or a cable bringing cable Internet from your Internet service provider (Cox Communications, etc.).
Then a wireless router shares the internet connection the modem provides with multiple wireless devices in your house, business, or any other building, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. The wireless router, the other part, sends a Wi-Fi signal representing the internet connection. Devices bearing the name "Wi-Fi" may pick up the Wi-Fi signal and connect to the internet without cords. Home Wi-Fi networks are built thus.
They do not offer a free router though they do offer a wireless gateway which is a combination of modem and router.
So for your home Wi-Fi network to function, you need two pieces of equipment:
1. Internet service you have from your ISP which connects to the modem.
2. A wireless router to send out the Wi-Fi signal.
When subscribing to Cox Internet, their basic plans DO NOT come with the wireless router that would make the connection portable. Cox provides Wi-Fi for an additional charge but it means that you either have to rent a router from them or buy one on your own if you want the connectivity throughout your house. Here are your options with Cox and Wi-Fi: Here are your options with Cox and Wi-Fi:
1. Cox Equipment Lease: Another way you can get wireless capability is if you choose to lease a wireless gateway modem/router for a little extra amount of money each month from Cox. It is readily available from $10-15 per month depending on the package the user intends on subscribing to. This provides you with a package that consists of both the cable modem that would allow you to connect to Cox Internet as well as a router for Wi-Fi. Leasing equipment is easygoing because Cox comes with the device and they can fix it if there is a problem but the costs are higher in the long run.
2. Purchase Your Router: Still, you can use your personalized third-party wireless router rather than rent it from Cox. Purchasing your unit is much more economical than renting a property most of the time. You simply ensure that the router in question supports Cox - a lot of widely-used routers from such brands as NETGEAR, Linksys, ASUS, and TP-Link do. Currently, approval of equipment is done by Cox and therefore they offer their knowledge in the same. This means that while the router is paid by you, you are also the one who will configure it and troubleshoot whenever the need arises.
3. Cox WiFi Panoramic: Apart from cable TV and high-speed internet service, Cox provides a state-of-the-art wireless home router, WiFi Panoramic for a monthly fee of $12 or $10 if bought together with internet service. It features fast and strong Wi-Fi coverage across the home, support for multiple connected devices, and security measures. Cox declares that it can offer 200+ Mbps wireless speeds to over 70 devices at the same time. The WiFi Panoramic router is like other equipment options, initially given by Cox on lease.
In conclusion, the basic or standard Cox internet package that you have does not come with Wi-Fi, and there is no wireless router for Wi-Fi connectivity. If you want to use your router, it must be compatible with Cox’s system; if not, you will lease a modem/router combo from Cox for an additional $10-15/month or get Cox’s superior WiFi Panoramic router for $10-12/month more.
Other Things to Note for Cox Internet and Wi-Fi
When getting Wi-Fi as part of your Cox Internet plan, here are some additional factors to keep in mind that can affect your connection speeds, reliability, and coverage:
Wi-Fi Performance Factors:
Cox also has some really fast internet options, such as gigabit connectivity but even if you subscribe to these high tiers, your devices will never hit the advertised top wired speeds over Wi-Fi. Environmental conditions such as distance between the device and the router, barriers such as walls, internal and external interference, capabilities of the router and the device, and many other things will affect the speeds of the Wi-Fi in your house. Therefore, if the option is available in your area, you can get blazing-fast internet from Cox but the Wi-Fi speeds will be a lot lower than the advertised speeds.
Number of Users & Devices:Number of Users & Devices:
If there are a lot of users or devices that try to connect to the same Wi-Fi network in your home, it becomes crowded, making internet speeds slower, and having poor signal connection and coverage. If your house is large and/or you have many devices requiring the internet, switching to a high-performing router or a mesh Wi-Fi system may ease the congestion problem. Preventing or allowing particular types of traffic to a site can also be effective.
Home Construction Materials:
Wi-Fi signals have a tough time penetrating structures with thick walls or structures made of concrete block or metal framework thus reducing the coverage area. They can upgrade their routers or install Wi-Fi range extenders to improve signals in the ward’s dead spaces. Another good choice is the mesh Wi-Fi systems with multiple access points, which are useful for covering extensive areas.
Interference from Other Signals:
Other interferences that may affect the Wi-Fi are the neighbor’s Wi-Fi signals, Bluetooth devices, baby monitors, and even microwaves in the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. This can be evidenced by low speeds, dropped signal connections, and losing connections. Selecting another channel, upgrading the firmware of routers, and preventing conflicting equipment are some ways that can be done. The Wi-Fi 6 routers also have better interference avoidance as well as mitigation than the Wi-Fi 5 routers.
Overall, Cox Communications does not offer Wi-Fi or a wireless router as an integral part of any of the internet bundle offers. To use home Wi-Fi, you own a device from them or bring your compatible router to enjoy the benefits of the Wi-Fi. User performance, coverage, and the ability to connect multiple devices to the same hardware should also be taken into consideration when choosing Wi-Fi hardware and managing the wireless facility for optimal user satisfaction. It is also recommended to look for interference sources and update components as they become outdated.
Ready to upgrade your internet experience? Call us now at +1 844-349-7575 to explore the best Cox Internet plans for your needs!