Does Cox Panoramic WIFI Need a Coax Cable?
Cox Panoramic WIFI is another internet device from Cox Communications that combines both the modem and router. One common question that many customers ask is whether the Panoramic WIFI requires the coax cable to operate, or if it can operate wirelessly. In simple terms, the answer is yes – to optimize the operation of the Cox Panoramic WIFI, you will require coax cable connectivity.
The Cox Panoramic WIFI refers to a product by Cox Communications that allows consumers to access wireless Internet services through their receptive Panoramic modem.
The Cox Panoramic WIFI is a multifunction device that encompasses a cable modem, a router, and a WIFI access point all in one physical entity. It offers the capabilities of an Internet cable, a router, a switch in a network, and wireless networking all in one device. Some key features of the Panoramic WIFI include:
- A DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem with an advanced internet speed rate.
- Integrated WIFI with the functionalities of both 2.4 GHz as well as 5 GHz connections.
- 4 Gigabit Ethernet received for wired connections
- Support for Digital Phone Service Using Voice over Internet Protocol
- An application that allows the management of a mobile device from a distant place as well as the supervision of a child’s activities.
The Panoramic WIFI is designed for comprehensive home networking and claims reliability in comparison to mainstream cable modem and router devices.
What is the Purpose of Coaxial Connection in the Modem?
While the Cox Panoramic WIFI does not necessarily use a coaxial cable directly for the WIFI part of the device, it still needs a coaxial cable from your cable internet provider to feed the modem part of the device with broadband internet connectivity. This coax cable is responsible for transmitting the cable internet signals from Cox’s hybrid fiber coaxial network to the cable modem.
The Panoramic WIFI does not have internet service or broadband without connecting a coax cable from a live Cox cable outlet. The coax cable provides:
- Downstream signals: Packet information transmitted from the Cox network to the modem
- Upstream signals: Data transmitted from the modem to the Cox network
- Power: Power source to enable the functioning of the modem part of the hardware.
Hence, in short, if coax cable is not present then the internet service is also not available. The cable modem lacks how it can establish a connection with the Cox network other than the coaxial line.
Think of the Panoramic WIFI device as combining two key functions:
1. The router for creating the link with your provider via cable modem.
2. The router is used in sharing the internet with other gadgets and devices within the same vicinity through WIFI, Ethernet, and routing.
A Coax cable is needed for function #1 while router capabilities are capable of functioning wirelessly as long as the modem has an active internet source.
However, other Cox Internet plans may require a coax, which means that what I understand is not entirely accurate.
Any Cox internet service plan that has cable internet service will need a coaxial outlet for the supply of connection. Even if you decide to get the Panoramic WIFI hardware, you will need to have a coax line since you will need to have either a cable modem or a cable modem/router combination.
Examples of other Cox internet offerings needing a coax line include:
- Starter plan – StraightUp Internet and Connect plans with rental modems
- Internet services offered by Internet service providers that allow customers to bring their modem.
- Cox Internet Preferred 100 and 150 packages for high speeds
Internet tiers claiming to advertise fiber optics in their name such as Cox Gigablast still rely on coax and hybrid fiber coax already. Fiber gets closer to the neighborhoods than coax, but coax then goes into homes almost like conventional cable systems. Thus, even fiber-based services in Cox still require coax cables where there is a partial implementation of fiber networks.
Is it possible to use this Panoramic WIFI without coax?
However, they should be connected to a coaxial outlet to provide essential broadband connectivity that the Cox Panoramic WIFI cannot operate without. Being a modem and router in one, there is no feeding coax cable in this unit thus eliminating internet functionality at the hardware level.
You would not be able to use any of the following without a functional modem uplink via a Cox coax line:
- Internet browsing
- Video streaming
- Smart home devices access
- Online gaming
- Voice over Internet Protocol phone service
Moreover, additional route functions of the Panoramic WIFI require an active connection to the internet provided through a modem via the coax cable. This entails that other features such as WIFI broadcasting, the mobile application, configurations, and port forwarding among others would be disabled or unavailable when an internet source is not provided.
Consider a coax port in the back of Panoramic WIFI hardware as the foundation through which all other connections are provided. If the coax input is missing then the device becomes a mere useless ‘brick’ that has no way of connecting to the Cox network.
Panoramic WIFI installation can be a bit tricky, but these tips will help you do it correctly.
When setting up a new Cox Panoramic WIFI system in your home, keep these cable modem connectivity tips in mind:
- Point at a working coax outlet of Cox cable and make sure you have the correct coax connector tools at your disposal.
- If it is possible, plug the Panoramic WIFI coax input into this outlet using a short coax jumper cable. Do not install fans in series or use extended lengths of coaxial cable.
- Twist the cable and make hand movements to tighten connectors until they are fairly close. Do not over-tighten.
- If you have to share the link then use a simple coax splitter preferably a dual splitter. Do not connect multiple splitters in a manner that creates a chain.
- Ideally, you should think about having a permanent input and output home coax panel which is more systematic than having many connections.
- For connection problems, the first thing you should check is whether there is a problem with the coax connectors or with the coaxial cable itself.
By following these tips, you will guarantee that Panoramic WIFI can quickly create an ideal coaxial connection path to Cox infrastructure.
Cox Coax connections are not necessary for WiFi Calling.
Another thing to consider — experiment here — can you use other functionalities of Panoramic hardware, namely the WIFI/router, to support WIFI calling without a coax connection?
The answer is yes, assuming the Panoramic WIFI is powered on, you can connect smartphones, tablets, and computers wirelessly to take advantage of:
- Softphones which include; Skype, WA, and FaceTime among others.
- Free calling apps (Viber, Line, WeChat), WiFi texting apps (iMessage, Facebook Messenger)
These capabilities function actively when the device does not have an active internet connection through the coax cable line. In essence, the device is directly sending messages to the other device using the Panoramic WIFI radio signals within proximity and without having to go through a router.
Imagine it in the same way as using walkie-talkies in the forest where there is no signal reception. Devices within a WiFi signal range can take advantage of its peer-to-peer connectivity even when there is no internet connectivity.
, of course, you still have no external mobile data services, real phone service, broadband Internet, and extended router options without a live backhaul Internet connection from the modem and Cox’s coax ports. But for basic usage occasionally during an outage or waiting to get a proper coax connection, then basic communication can be useful.
Coax Requirements: Brief Review and Conclusion
To summarize the key points on whether coaxial cables are mandatory for Panoramic WIFI functionality:
- Well, Cox’s Panoramic WIFI does need a coax line as a necessary input to pull primary connectivity from their cable system for Internet service provision.
- The coaxial cable connects to the modem part of the device, while the router features in it use this internet source to operate within that vicinity.
- Every kind of Cox cable internet plan requires a coaxial line, though, a fiber-based broadband uses fiber cables mostly on the service provider side.
- If there is no coax input coming from a Cox outlet, the Panoramic WIFI cannot go online or function as a router to its maximum potential.
- Local devices may use WiFi calling even if a coax connection is not available and is not an issue.
Therefore, making sure that your Panoramic WIFI has a firm coaxial connection is crucial in providing the internet speeds, whole home Wi-Fi coverage, and performance routing that Cox claims to provide through this device. That coax feed needs to be installed correctly and then maintained properly if the full capabilities of the platform are to be properly exploited.
Ready to upgrade your internet experience? Call us now at +1 844-349-7575 to explore the best Cox Internet plans for your needs!