Should You Rent it or Get a 3rd Party Cox-Compatible Modem?
Panoramic WiFi is a 2-in-1 (modem + router) gateway device that Cox provides for a monthly rental of $14. Depending on your subscribed service plan, you’ll either get its PW6, PW7, or PW8 edition.
PW8 is available for top-tier Gig & multi-gig internet. While PW7 comes with Ultimate and Preferred plans, which vary from 300 to 500 Mbps, depending on the region. PW6 is the go-to gateway for the Essential/Starter/Preferred plans that max at 250 Mbps.
Cox Panoramic WiFi Review
14.00 / Mo
Product Name: Cox Panoramic WiFi
Product Description: Cox offers its subscribers a Panoramic WiFi gateway to meet their internet needs. It comes at a monthly rental lease of $14. It has 3 models, i.e., PW6, PW7, and PW8, which you get based on your service plan.
Brand: COX
Offer price: 14.00 / Month
Currency: USD
Availability: InStock
Short Review
I got my hands on Cox Panoramic WiFi (PW8) and experienced decent internet speeds. The WiFi coverage is average, and I missed advanced security. I feel it’s better to buy own WiFi router than renting this for about $14.
Overall
4.1
- WiFi Range
- Speeds
- Devices Capacity
- Port Setup
- Hardware
- Installation
- Management
- Cost to Value
Sending
User Review
0
(0 votes)
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6e on PW8 model
- Tri-Band operation
- Zigbee and BT for SmartHomes
- Decent security features
- Good WiFi coverage
Cons
- Only on monthly rentals
- Limited QoS customization
Contents
- Cox Panoramic WiFi Specs
- Cox Panoramic WiFi Review: 2 Weeks Later
- Wireless Speeds & Suitability
- WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
- Wired Connectivity & Design
- Security Features
- Installation, Setup, and Management
- Hardware & Other Features
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Cox Panoramic WiFi Specs
| Aspect | Model: PW8 | Model: PW7 | Model: PW6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wireless Standard | Wi-Fi 6E (802. 11ax) |
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Suitable Cox Plan | Gig & Multi-Gig | Ultimate & Preferred | Preferred, Essential, and Starter. |
| Aggregated Speed | Unknown | AX3500 | AC9600 |
| DOCSIS Support | DOCSIS 3.1 | DOCSIS 3.1 | DOCSIS 3.1 |
| Frequency Band | Tri-Band | Dual-Band | Dual-Band |
| 2.4GHz Speed | Unknown | 1148 Mbps | 1000 Mbps |
| 5GHz Speed | Unknown | 2402 Mbps | 8668 Mbps |
| 6GHz Speed | Unknown | N.A. | N. A. |
| Wi-Fi Range | Up to 2,500 Sq Ft | Up to 2,000 Sq Ft | Up to 2,000 Sq Ft |
| Maximum Device Capacity | $100 | $100 | 75 |
| Ports | 3 x Gig LAN + 1 x 2.5G WAN + 1 x USB 3.0 + 2 x eMTA | 3 x Gig LAN + 1 x 2.5G WAN + 2 x eMTA | 2 x Gig LAN/WAN + 2 x eMTA |
| App Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| QoS Prioritization | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MU-MIMO | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Security Standard | WPA3 | WPA3 | WPA2 |
| Processor | 1. 5GHz Dual-Core Broadcom BCM3390 |
1.5GHz Dual-Core Broadcom BCM3390 | 1.5GHz Dual-Core Broadcom BCM3390Z |
| RAM | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
| NAND Storage | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
| Dimensions | 8.6 x 4.6 x 4.6 inches | 8.25 x 4.0 x 4.0 inches | 9.06 x 6.69 x 6.69 inches |
| Weight | 3.1 Pounds | 3.01 Pounds | 3.25 Pounds |
| Release Date | January 2022 | September 2019 | June 2017 |
Cox Panoramic WiFi Review: 2 Weeks Later
As a Cox Gigablast subscriber, I had the PW8 model running as my primary internet setup for over two weeks. Plus, having tested all of its predecessor versions for the last few years, I’ll be able to give you a comparative analysis of them in this detailed review of the Cox Panoramic WiFi gateway.
Key Takeaway: Panoramic WiFi is a good gateway but has middling coverage and a noticeable speed drop.
It doesn’t match the security features of third-party routers suitable for Cox. I’d recommend avoiding it for a monthly rental.
Wireless Speeds & Suitability
The latest Panoramic Wi-Fi gateway supports Wi-Fi 6E standards and operates on simultaneous tri-band. As seen in WiFi 6e routers, the 6 GHz frequency makes a lot of difference to your wireless performance.
The overall capacity of the PW8 was rumored to be triple that of its predecessor PW7, which was rated at AX3500.
Both PW7 and PW8 can support gigabit internet plans, if you have the latest 6E gadgets, it makes sense to ask for the PW8 upgrade.
As per the speed tests, my Gigablast plan reached a max of 758 Mbps of downloads with PW7. The downloads in the 6 GHz frequency were registering 782.48 Mbps, and uploads maxed out at 33.43 Mbps within 20 feet of the gateway.
At the furthest point, speeds on the PW8 trumped PW7 by a good margin.
Just outside my door, my mobile clocked speeds of 66 Mbps and 5 Mbps with PW8, whereas PW7 would only muster 40 Mbps and 3 Mbps.
While both PW8 and PW7 were good enough for heavy data tasks, the tri-band operation of PW8 made substantial improvements to streaming 4K videos on two smart TV simultaneously, which previously made PW7 struggle to cope with the load.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
The PW8 has four beamforming internal antennas that deliver coverage of over 2,500 Sq ft, better than both PW7 and PW6.
With a PW8 and a pod, I could cover an area of 2,200 Sq Ft. Thanks to MU-MIMO and the latest features Wi-Fi 6 brings, it was easy to operate smart TVs, PC, laptops, tablets, cameras, voice assistants, and bunch of gadgets totaling over 30 simultaneously.
However, I still noticed a few signal drops over a long distance. With wireless gateways, you’re supposed to experience lower coverage. So, if you have a large house, you might want to add a Cox WiFi extender.
Wired Connectivity & Design
PW8 supports multigigabit connections with the 2.5G WAN port and 3 Gigabit LAN ports. It also comes with an additional USB 3.0 port that allows you to connect printers or hard drives to the network.
You’ll be able to wire your Smart TV, and gaming consoles to the 3-gigabit ethernet ports, where the download maxes out at 970 Mbps.
PW8 looks similar to PW7 in design, albeit a bit more rounded at the top and golden with a colored base. The design includes sufficient heat vents on top and bottom while measuring 8.6 x 4.6 x 4.6 inches in dimensions and weighing slightly over 3 pounds.
Security Features
Both PW8 and PW7 support WPA-encrypted passwords, and guest Wi-Fi. You can create user profiles, create schedules, and downtimes for your internet and get complete control over the internet exposure of your kids.
The advanced security of Panoramic Wi-Fi also protects the devices connected to the Cox gateway from malicious content and cyber threats.
Installation, Setup, and Management
Setting up panoramic WiFi comes with both portal and mobile app options. Both modes are easier and get it done within less than 15 minutes.
With the Cox panoramic WiFi App, it took me approx. 10 minutes to get the device running. From the App, you’ll be able to create user profiles, add access schedules, and turn off the internet, all with a simple touch.
Hardware & Other Features
While Cox keeps the exact hardware specifications a secret, we know that all three gateways are based on a Broadcom-based chipset.
The additional band supplemented by improvements in the memory made a huge improvement in the performance of PW8 compared to PW7 and PW6.
Even with multiple heavy instances, the gateway hardly seemed stressed. I could easily observe the device heating, but the heat dissipation system and hardware capacity in tandem allowed the device to cruise through the load I put through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Panoramic Wi-Fi good?
Yes.
If you’re in an automated home with a lot of gadgets, CCTV, ring cameras, and voice assistants, having Panoramic Wi-Fi would give you additional security for all the devices connected to your home network.
Does Cox Panoramic Wi-Fi have Wi-Fi 6?
Yes, but it depends on your internet plan. If you are using PW7 or PW8 as your gateway, you will have access to Wi-Fi 6.
What is special about panoramic Wi-Fi?
The advanced internet security features with real-time alerts and notifications access to free hardware upgrades every three years, and additional pods to remedy your coverage issues.
What is the difference between PW8, PW7, and PW6?
While PW6 is compatible with Wi-Fi 5 standards, PW7 & PW8 support Wi-Fi-6 standards. PW6 & PW7 operate in two simultaneous bands, while PW8 operates on a tri-band with the latest congestion-free frequency of 6GHz.
How many devices can connect to Cox Panoramic gateway?
The latest PW8 can connect up to 100 devices, which includes all the devices in your automated home.
This includes your smart tv, laptop, desktop, voice assistants, cameras, and other smart home gadgets like lights, fans, doorbells, etc.
Conclusion
While the guarantee of free hardware upgrade allows you to make the most of the internet with the latest gadgets, it is contingent on the device rollout and availability in your neighborhood. The Panoramic Wi-Fi is a good value addition for smart homes, but you might have to put up with limited customization ability.
Cox Panoramic WiFi Modem Setup [Complete Guide]
Cox Communications provides a two-in-one networking device known as the Panoramic WiFi gateway. Although this gateway is a modem, it also works like a router.
Moreover, the Panoramic WiFi gateway gives a high-speed internet connection to all the devices. You can also deploy the Panoramic WiFi pods to extend the wireless range.
Now, if you are looking to set up your Cox modem, this post will guide you through the complete process.
Table of Contents
Cox Panoramic Wi-Fi Setup
There are three ways you can set up your Cox Panoramic WiFi gateway:
- Admin Portal
- Web Portal
- Panoramic WiFi App
Before configuring the gateway, you must ensure it’s appropriately set up.
So, let’s first assemble the equipment and establish a proper wired connection.
Turn On Panoramic WiFi Gateway
First, connect a coax cable to the gateway’s back panel. The other head of the coax cable will go to the active cable outlet. This method is similar to the one you use for a cable modem.
Now, connect the adapter to the electrical outlet. The power cord will go into the power port of the gateway.
After establishing the above connection, the Cox Panoramic WiFi gateway will turn on. You will see the power light will first stay red, and then it will become solid green.
This shows your gateway is powered on.
However, look for the online light as well. You have to wait if it’s not turning into a solid color. At first, it will keep blinking. So you have to wait 10-12 minutes until it stops blinking.
Once the online light becomes a solid color, you can now proceed to set up the Cox Panoramic WiFi modem.
How Do I Setup My Cox WiFi?
Let’s start with the first method to set up the Cox WiFi.
Admin Portal Setup
The first setup method is via the admin portal. In this method, you must visit the Cox admin web page and update the WiFi router settings.
But you can’t get access to that portal if you are not connected to the Cox WiFi network. Therefore, let’s connect to the Cox gateway first.
Connect to Gateway
You can connect to the gateway via two methods:
- Ethernet Cable
- WiFi Router
Ethernet Cable
- Take an ethernet cable and connect its one head to the Cox Panoramic WiFi modem.
- Connect the other head to your computer’s ethernet port.
Once your computer detects the available LAN connection, you can continue the setup process.
Besides, check that the ethernet ports are working correctly. Sometimes the cable works fine, but you still can’t get internet access.
A similar caution goes for the coax port as well.
Also, the older ethernet cable and coaxial cable become weary over time.
That also makes it hard to insert them into the respective ports properly.
WiFi Router
It would help if you had the Cox WiFi network name (SSID) and password for this method. Where will you find that?
Check the Cox user’s manual and find the default network name and password to connect to the WiFi router. Additionally, the WiFi gateway credentials are also mentioned on the sticker that’s stuck on the modem.
After finding the required information, connect your mobile device to the Cox WiFi router:
- Then, turn WiFi On on your phone.
- Next, find the Cox wireless network name in the list of available networks.
- Next, enter the WiFi password or Pass Key.
Once connected, you can continue the Cox Panoramic WiFi gateway setup process.
Activate Cox Account
For first-time setting up the Cox Panoramic WiFi gateway, you must create a Cox account.
Therefore, visit the Cox website and create an account. The account creation and activation process are simple.
After successfully creating the Cox account, use your Cox user ID to set up the Cox Panoramic WiFi modem.
Besides, you can use the Cox primary user ID and password to avail of the different services by Cox Communications. This ID enables you to subscribe to internet packages and log in to Cox platforms from other devices.
Clear Cookies and Cache
It’s an additional step to keep the Cox Panoramic WiFi modem setup process smooth. You have to clear the cache memory of your computer’s browser manually. Also, delete all cookies. This set of memory unnecessarily gets stored in the storage and might bother you during the setup process.
After clearing the unwanted browser’s storage, go to the web portal of the Cox panoramic Wi-Fi gateway.
To access the admin portal, visit the default gateway, i.e., 192.168.0.1.
Go to Admin Portal
- Open a web browser on your computer. Of course, you can also use your phone for that purpose. But it’s not recommended because the phone tends to block such webpages and IP addresses.
- Type 192.168.0.1 in the address bar and press enter.
Once you type the default gateway of Cox Panoramic Wi-Fi, you will see the admin credentials section. You must now enter the username and admin portal password in the respective fields.
Enter Admin Login Credentials
On the web page, enter the following credentials:
- “admin” for the default admin username
- “password” for the default admin password
The password field is case-sensitive. Therefore, type the password precisely what’s provided in the guide.
Once you are in the admin portal, it’s time to update the WiFi settings.
Update Admin Username and Password
Since the default admin username and password are common, anyone can quickly get access to your Panoramic WiFi gateway settings.
Therefore, Cox Communications ensures the WiFi router’s safety and automatically displays the Set New Admin Username and Password page.
- Type “password” in the password field to update the admin password.
- You can leave the default username as “admin.”
After that, you can update other Cox Panoramic WiFi gateway settings.
Update WiFi Settings
Since the Cox Panoramic WiFi gateway is a dual-band router, you might have to update WiFi settings for both bands separately.
However, the method will remain the same. You only have to go to the 2.4 GHz or 5.0 GHz section.
Now, follow these steps to update the Cox panoramic Wi-Fi settings.
- Go to “Gateway,” then “Connection.”
- Now go to “Wi-Fi.”
- Click on the “Edit” button. This will allow you to edit the WiFi settings.
- First, change the SSID (network name). Note that you can’t use the “CoxWiFi” as an SSID for your network name. It’s because the Cox hotspot uses that SSID.
- Then change Password (Pass Key).
- After that, click “Save Settings.”
Once you apply the changes, all the connected devices will be disconnected from the network. Therefore, you must reconnect to the new SSID with the updated password.
Find the SSID you have set in the available network names and enter the passkey. After establishing a stable WiFi connection, test the internet connection.
Internet Connection Speed Test
There are multiple platforms available where you can perform a speed test of your internet connection.
So after setting up your Cox Panoramic Wi-Fi, connect your phone or any other wireless device to the network. After that, test the internet speed.
Besides, you can request a detailed monthly report of internet usage.
Web Portal Setup
This method lets you set up your Cox Panoramic Wi-Fi from the web portal.
- First, go to wifi.cox.com.
- Log in using the Cox user ID.
- Now, go to My Internet > My Wi-Fi > Network Settings
- Update the settings just like you did on the admin web page.
- Once you are done, save the settings and close the browser.
After changing the Wi-Fi settings, all the connected devices will disconnect from the Cox Panoramic Wi-Fi.
Now, there’s a third method through which you can complete the Cox Panoramic Wi-Fi router.
Cox Panoramic WiFi App
We are discussing this method in the end because the WiFi experts recommend completing the Cox WiFi setup on a computer or laptop.
Your phone might not be compatible with the app, or your phone might take more time to send the request to Cox for the validation process.
However, you can still use the app as it’s more user-friendly than admin and web portals.
- Download and install the Panoramic WiFi app. It’s available for Android and Apple phones.
- Launch the app.
- Now log in using the Cox user ID and password.
- Go to Connect > See Network.
- To edit the WiFi connection, tap the pencil icon.
- Now update your WiFi network settings. Besides, you might have to update the settings of 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz frequency bands separately.
- After you are done with the changes, tap the Apply button.
Now enjoy the best WiFi experience without any concern.
However, if the issues persist, contact Cox. They’ll look for the reasons why the router is not working correctly.
FAQs
Is Cox Panoramic WiFi a Router and Modem?
The Cox Panoramic Wi-Fi is a two-in-one gateway that works as a modem and router.
Why is My Cox Panoramic WiFi Not Working?
There can be several issues behind the Cox Panoramic Wi-Fi not working. The most common ones are:
- No Cox Internet Access
- Bad Wi-Fi Router Range
- Device’s Connectivity Issues
- Router’s Hardware Issue
Why is My Cox Panoramic WiFi Blinking Orange?
Blinking orange light means your Cox gateway is trying to find a stable downstream connection. Moreover, restart your router if the blinking orange light becomes solid.
Conclusion
You can follow any three methods and set up your Cox Panoramic Wi-Fi. However, you will need the Cox primary user ID and password to log in.
If you can’t find these credentials, contact customer support.
They will provide you with the required information.
Standalone wireless kit DE-WTL-WF04 (call panel + monitor 7″) with LAN gateway with DVR + electronic lock control module, HD (Acebell)
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Article: DE-WTL-WF04
Delivery time
: August 15
Article: DE-WTL-WF04
Delivery time
: 15 August
Standalone wireless overdoor kit (7″ monitor + call panel) with LAN gateway with DVR + electronic lock control module, HD (Acebell)
27 877 ₽
Stand-alone overhead door station with HD 720P picture quality, 1.2 Mp and 7″ LCD monitor operates over its own private wireless connection with a 2.4 GHz gateway at a distance of up to 200 m in line of sight.
The gateway connects to the local network via a wired LAN connection.
The gateway emits a call sound and transmits voice messages, has a built-in video recorder (supports memory cards up to 32 GB).0003
DE-WTL-WF04 is compatible with Android/IOS mobile platforms via p2p service.
Night vision up to 5 m.
Integrated intercom.
Over-the-door kit (monitor and panel) works on 1 charge up to 8 months in standby mode.
The electronic lock control module is controlled by a mobile app.
Call panel color – silver.
Monitor color – black.
Made in China.
Standalone door station with HD 720P, 1.2 Mp picture quality and 7″ LCD monitor operates on its own private wireless connection with a 2.4 GHz gateway at a distance of up to 200 m line of sight.
The gateway connects to the LAN via a wired LAN connection. The gateway emits a call sound and transmits voice messages, has a built-in video recorder (support for memory cards up to 32 GB).
DE-WTL-WF04 is compatible with Android/IOS mobile platforms via p2p service.