Panoramic WIFI Gateway – this term has emerged a few years recently from the cable brand COX. The Internet magic box, next-gen WIFI, WIFI reimagined, does it really deserve the title?
When it comes to packing your house/office with the Internet, choosing the WIFI router and modem is the most challenging task. Facing the circumstance, COX announced its so-called “Panoramic WIFI” to combine both router and modem in one device. But does it really work?
What is Panoramic Wifi Gateway and What is it for?
What is it?
As explained by COX, Panoramic WIFI is a 2-in-1 device that acts like both a modem and a router. This device is expected to simplify the Internet solution by offering rental plans.
So the primary purpose of Panoramic WIFI is to provide secure and reliable Internet coverage throughout your home. The concept of this business focuses on an easy-to-install and minimal Internet setup for households. And here are its main rental plans:
- Starter 10: Up to 10 Mbps download (with the first month free of charge) – Suitable for less than three devices browsing the Internet
- Essential 50: Up to 50 Mbps download – Suitable for 3-5 devices with light use of Internet
- Preferred 150: Up to 150 Mbps download – Suitable for 5-7 devices with heavy use of the Internet.
- Ultimate: Up to 300 Mbps download – Suitable for 7-9 devices with heavy and advanced use of Internet
What Is It For?
Provide WIFI Coverage
Panoramic WIFI from COX aims at extending the bandwidth to provide wide coverage of WIFI in a house. You thus can expect faster and more consistent WIFI signals wall to wall and device to device.
As referred from its name – “panoramic,” COX utilizes this technology to eliminate the “dead zones” in the WIFI connected areas. They provide a Panoramic pod with which you can plug in any socket in your house. This pod acts as a WIFI booster, ensuring the consistency of the WIFI quality throughout the house.
Improve WIFI Connection
Panoramic WIFI allows for improvement in spotty Internet connection. It can automatically choose the appropriate WIFI for different user’s purposes – surfing, streaming, and sharing.
The built-in Band Steering feature in this device enables smartphones, laptops, PCs, tablets to use a higher capacity GHz band than the typical 2.4 GHz.
And if the normal rental plans are still not enough, users can upgrade it to the Gigablast package options. These packages are more cut out for big families with many members using the Internet heavily at the same time.
Protect Network
Panoramic WIFI Gateway comes with an Advanced Security feature, with which users can prevent cyber attacks, block unknown connections, and secure the devices. All these functions are included in its mobile app so you can configure it directly from your phone.
Specifically, its system will notify you if you visit a malicious website, get accessed by an unknown or dangerous device, or any other potential threat. It closely monitors the traffic and activity, also giving you the option to switch on an extra layer of security or decide which particular notification you want to receive and which one not.
Control WIFI Settings
With the Panoramic WIFI app, COX allows users to configure all the settings from either their mobile device or desktop. Besides adjusting the security performance, you can also set rules, pause device, reset, change name and password, and all other customizations relating to the WIFI.
For those who don’t want to experience the learning curve, they can contact COX and ask the support team to send a technician and get help right at home.
How To Install
Panoramic WIFI comes with EasyConnect Setup, so it won’t take you much time to install. Check out the instructions below.
What To Prepare
Your install kit should contain a Panoramic WIFI Gateway, a coax cable, a power cable, an ethernet cable (optional), and a QuickStart manual. Notice the Network Name (SSID) and pre-shared key numbers printed on the back of the gateway; you will need them for the installation process.
Installment Instruction
First off, connect the coax cable from the install kit into an active cable outlet. If you already had a previous COX service, you can reuse the outlet where that device was connected.
Look on the back of the Panoramic WIFI Gateway; you will see the coax port, connect it to the other end of the coax cable. If you have phone service, you can install your phone line to one of the Tel ports.
Plug the power cable to the electric outlet, and the other end to the power port still on the back of the gateway. Within 10-15 seconds, the Panoramic WIFI Gateway will be activated and updated. Once Online light is on and solid, you are ready to connect.
If you want to connect directly to the Panoramic WIFI, use Ethernet cable to connect your computer to one of the Ethernet ports on the back of the gateway.
For wireless, open the wifi setting on your smartphone, tablet, or computer, select one of the two network names (SSID) shown on the mentioned label. For the password, use the key pre-shared. Now, it is just a matter of confirming your connection.
As you are directed to the activation page, simply follow the prompts on the screen to complete the process.
Panoramic Wifi Gateway – How It Works
To ensure the consistent WIFI connection, the Panoramic WIFI needs three elements – Gateway (speed), Portal (control), and Pods (coverage).
Gateway (Speed)
As mentioned earlier, the Panoramic WIFI Gateway is an all-in-one WIFI supply device. And it offers the Internet at different speeds depending on what rental package you go for.
Depending on your usage, this device will set your device up with the best WIFI frequency. COX also announced that it would upgrade the gateway with the most up-to-date device when in need.
Portal (Control)
This is the app with which you can control the WIFI from your phone or computer. It works as a command center for the gateway and can restrict the usage of all connections. From the portal, you can solve almost all the connectivity issues and detect online threats.
Pods (Coverage)
You can choose to buy pods if necessary. These pods provide extra coverage; they are connected to the gateway and are also under the control of your portal. They ensure the signal strength is solid regardless of the location in your house.
Who Should Use It?
Panoramic WIFI Gateway should be the choice for people looking for a foolproof and comprehensive approach to WIFI connection at home. The installment, setup, and configuration are all straightforward and newbie-friendly. And the monitor app is also easy to use, saving your effort to control the WIFI in your home.
However, considering the rental option and the fact that you can only rent, not purchase, the pricing may not be a good appeal. So it’s fair to say that if you are looking for something like “instant noodles,” just hot water and wait, this is for you.
But if you are a geeky IT guy that doesn’t need any further explanation on modem and router, this may not give you any interest. And if you feel comfortable using a separate modem and router to reconfigure from 32×8 to 24×16 channels, you probably have many more choices to look at.
Panoramic Wifi Gateway Troubleshooting
There may be times the Internet suddenly drops and comes back on again. This happens when Panoramic WIFI Gateway couldn’t provide enough coverage because the house is too large or the walls are too thick. In this case, consider using the Panoramic WIFI Pods to boost the connection.
Also, there are some tips to make sure you have a better WIFI connection:
- The location of the gateway should be in the center of the house. Because it sends out the signals in all directions, a proper location will give you the optimum coverage.
- Because the gateway normally transmits the signals downward, you had better keep it on a high position – on a bookshelf or mounted on the wall.
- Avoid placing the gateway in closed places like the cupboard or closet. It will then limit the distance and the speed that the signals can travel.
- Avoid placing it near reflective surfaces and fish tanks as well. Water can actually absorb the signals, and such surfaces like mirror, glass window, stainless steel applicants can also reduce the reach.
- Other things to avoid are large obstructions, very thick walls, and electronics that can interfere with the transmission.
- Sometimes the connection is not stable because some unauthorized users have sneaked in. Consider changing your WIFI password and keep it secure.
FAQs About Panoramic Wifi Gateway
How can I change Panoramic WIFI Gateway’s network name and password?
You can use your computer to change the network name and password.
Go to the product page and log in with your current name and password
Select Settings, and then Internet
You will see the WIFI credentials with which you can select Edit to change the username and password
You can also change these credentials on the app. Select the Internet tab, then Wireless Gateway. Then tap on Change WIFI Settings to type in new credentials of your preference.
How can I restart this WIFI gateway?
Follow these steps to reboot the gateway:
- Unplug the power cord from the wall
- Wait for 30 seconds, then plug the power cord back in
- Let the gateway fully reboot, which could take up to 10 minutes
Note: If you have a Contour TV Box, go ahead and reboot it too. The routine for this is the same: unplug the power cord – wait 30 seconds and plug it in back in.
You can also restart the WIFI Gateway from your control device (smartphone/tablet/PC/laptop).
- Go to the product website and head to your account
- Hit on Internet service card and choose Refresh Modem to start troubleshooting the gateway
- Select the Start Troubleshooting; the restart should also take about 7-10 minutes.
Note: If you want to restart from the COX app, open it, and tap on the Internet tile. Select your modem and choose Restart This Device button.
How can I protect the gateway from hackers and malware?
You can reinforce the security of your network by going to the Network section on the product page. Then select Protected Browsing to ensure the safety of your Internet usage.
Should I use 2.4 GHz or 5.0 GHz frequency?
Each bandwidth has its own pros and cons, and it’s vital to know the difference. The 2.4 GHz transmits the signal at a longer distance yet slower speed. This means that the 5.0 GHz gives you a higher transmission speed at a shorter distance.
So what does that mean in real life? If you are staying near the router, you can use the 5.0 GHz frequency. And when you go out of the proximity range, consider switching to the 2.4 GHz for a more stable connection.
Why Do I Have To Rent But Not Purchase?
As explained by COX, this WIFI gateway is only available for rent to ensure they can upgrade the firmware and software when new functions or security features need to take place.
Panoramic WIFI Gateway is a non-tech-savvy solution to keep you away from losing Internet connection now and then. It’s also vital to consider your net usage and house area to choose the right rental package.
In the end, it is safe to say that this WIFI Gateway should not be compared with the conventional separate modems and routers. The two concepts simply fall into different categories. Thank you for walking through the Panoramic WIFI Gateway with us. All the best!
