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. Either turn off any tablets, televisions, and other devices when not in use, or disconnect them from your wifi network to get faster speeds. To turn off or disconnect devices from your wifi network, locate the wifi icon on the device and toggle off or select disconnect. Panoramic Wifi customers can easily manage the devices on their network from the Panoramic Wifi App.
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 Wifi 5/Wifi 6. Learn more about our compatible modems.
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
Looking for more?
How data usage works
See how online activity and devices impact your monthly data usage.
Add an additional data plan
Learn how to enroll in an additional data plan for your internet service.
Opt out of additional data plan
Follow these step-by-step instructions to remove your additional data plan.
*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 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.