In the olden days of the internet, the only way to access the web was through bulky computers that connected the dial-up modem with a physical wire. As computers got smaller, so did our need to be able to get online quickly and from anywhere.
Today, WiFi service is colloquially almost synonymous with internet service, with most users only ever using home internet via a wireless connection. Latency-sensitive applications such as competitive online gaming remain the only good reason to use an Ethernet connection inside homes, which WiFi 6 and WiFi 7 may change soon.
With these trends, internet providers have gradually changed the way they market and offer services. Many ISPs now offer their own WiFi equipment along with internet service, adding many features that third-party equipment lacks. Cox Internet in particular encourages managed WiFi service with the recent inclusion of Panoramic WiFi with all speed tiers for 24 months. However, a new upgrade to Cox WiFi may make it better than using third-party WiFi routers.
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Standardized Operator-Managed WiFi and What it Means
Operator-managed WiFi are WiFi services that are provided and managed by internet service providers. Common examples include Cox Panoramic WiFi, Spectrun Advanced WiFi, and Xfinity xFi. What separates operator-managed WiFi from conventional WiFi is that instead of leaving the Wi-Fi setup entirely to the users, the operator takes an active role in configuring, optimizing, and maintaining the Wi-Fi network within a subscriber’s home.
Some key benefits of operator-managed WiFi over conventional WiFi include:
Configuration and Optimization
The operator takes responsibility for setting up and optimizing the Wi-Fi network, such as choosing the appropriate channels and managing network congestion. This can help limit interactions of WiFi signals from a router with other neighboring routers, improving speeds, reliability, and range.
Remote Management
Operators can remotely access and manage the Wi-Fi network. This is useful for troubleshooting issues, updating firmware, and making configuration changes without requiring a technician to visit the user’s premises. This can also improve WiFi performance along with making connections more secure.
Equipment Upgrades
SPs that offer operator-managed WiFi services can ensure customers have up-to-date equipment that can best utilize the current network. For instance, Cox has upgraded 100% of its network to DOCSIS 3.1 standards and it offers free upgraded DOCSIS 3.1 gateways to Panoramic WiFi customers.
Proactive Problem-Fixing
Operator-managed Wi-Fi service involves collecting data about network performance, usage patterns, and potential issues. This data can be valuable for improving service quality, anticipating network congestion, and addressing wireless connectivity issues proactively.
Wireless Security
Although it’s not a core constituent of operator-managed WiFi, many ISPs include advanced security services with their WiFi service that protect connected devices in real time and send alerts when suspicious activity is detected.
Easy Home Network Management
Operator-managed WiFi services also commonly allow customers to manage and monitor their home network from anywhere through mobile apps.
Cox has been offering its operator-managed WiFi service, Panoramic WiFi, for over 6 years now. Recently, the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) proposed to standardize operator-managed WiFi service, and Cox is taking part in the process along with Comcast, Charter, and AT&T.
WBA’s Standardized Operator-Managed Wi-Fi and Cox
Different ISPs employ different architectures to solve different WiFi problems and offer different solutions with their WiFi service. WBA’s reference architecture for operator-managed WiFi service will simplify and standardize the service, ensuring that ISPs meeting the requirements employ world-standard technologies for their services.
The proposed framework tackles the challenge posed by the current lack of a holistic solution for operator-managed Wi-Fi networks, which often results in non-interoperable and non-reusable solutions. Cox’s active participation in this global endeavor, alongside other major American Wi-Fi operators, demonstrates a commitment to enhancing the reliability and performance of its Wi-Fi service.
As an early participant in this process and with its experience in managed WiFi services, Cox is set to improve the reliability and cost-effectiveness of Panoramic WiFi. Standardizing WiFi services will also encourage other ISPs in us to launch their own WiFi services, making wireless connectivity better for everyone.
Cox WiFi Plans
WiFi service and Internet service are two separate things. Internet service typically refers to the internet connection provided to your home, whereas WiFi connects wireless devices to the home Internet. Cox Internet service is available at different monthly rates depending on the speeds they’re capped at. On the other hand, Cox Panoramic WiFi costs $14 per month.
However, all Cox Internet service offers currently include Panoramic WiFi either for 24 months or indefinitely at no additional cost depending on the speed tier you choose. Here’s more info on Cox Internet + WiFi plans.
Go Fast – $49.99 per month
- Download Speed: 100 Mbps
- Includes: Panoramic WiFi
- Contract: No annual contract
The “Go Fast” plan from Cox offers a reasonable entry-level option for those seeking reliable internet at an affordable price. With a download speed of 100 Mbps, it’s suitable for basic internet activities such as browsing, streaming, and light online gaming. Panoramic WiFi is included in this plan and there’s no annual contract required.
Go Faster – $69.99 per month
- Download Speed: 250 Mbps
- Includes: Panoramic WiFi for 24 months
- Contract: No annual contract
Stepping up in both speed and price, the “Go Faster” plan caters to users with a higher demand for bandwidth. With a download speed of 250 Mbps, this plan is well-suited for households with multiple devices concurrently streaming HD content, engaging in online gaming, and other data-intensive activities. This plan also includes Panoramic WiFi at no additional cost for the first 24 months.
Go Even Faster – $89.99 per month
- Download Speed: 500 Mbps
- Includes: Panoramic WiFi for 24 months
- Contract: No term contract
The “Go Even Faster” plan positions itself as a popular choice, offering a substantial boost in download speed at 500 Mbps. This plan is recommended for homes with high-speed requirements, especially those engaged in activities that demand seamless and fast internet connections. Panoramic WiFi is included for 24 months an annual contract isn’t required.
Go Super Fast – $109.99 per month (Promotional Price for 24 months)
- Maximum Download Speed: 1000 Mbps
- Includes: Panoramic WiFi for 24 months
- Contract: No annual contract
Cox’s “Go Super Fast” plan aims to deliver exceptional speed at 1000 Mbps, making it suitable for power users and households with heavy data usage. The promotional pricing and the inclusion of Panoramic WiFi for the first 24 months add extra value. This is the fastest Cox Internet plan availabe everywhere Cox operates.
Go Beyond Fast
- Maximum Download Speed: 2 Gbps
The “Go Beyond Fast” plan represents the pinnacle of Cox’s offerings, boasting a maximum download speed of 2 Gbps. However, this plan is only available in certain areas and the details may vary depending on location. Cox and Cox en Espanol customer service teams can tell more about the availability and details of this plan.
Summary
Cox has been offering its managed WiFi service, Panoramic WiFi, for over six years now. So far, ISPs such as Cox have employed different architectures to bring different features to managed WiFi services that traditional WiFi networks lack. As an early participant in WBA’s proposal to standardize operator-managed WiFi, Cox is poised to make Panoramic WiFi more reliable.
