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ANSWERED: How to improve your Xfinity Wifi
Run a Full Network Test
If you have an xFi Gateway, you can use the Xfinity app to run a full network test to detect and troubleshoot connectivity issues. The full network test checks your network for outages, the speed of the internet connection to your xFi Gateway and the strength of the connection to all your devices.Check Gateway/Router Placement
Place your gateway, modem or router in the most central location of your home, preferably on the main floor instead of the attic or basement. Make sure it is at least a couple of feet off of the floor and confirm that the coax cable connection is finger tight.
Avoid putting your gateway or router in cramped spaces or next to anything that can block the WiFi signal. The best position is in an open space away from thick surfaces (e.g., concrete walls) and other household electronics that may cause interference with the WiFi signal, such as baby monitors, cordless phones, microwave ovens, refrigerators and Bluetooth-connected devices.
Note: Consider adding WiFi Boost Pods to help extend your home WiFi coverage throughout your home. To learn more and purchase, go to xfinity.com/xfipods.Regularly Restart Your Equipment
Restarting your gateway, modem or router is good for the device's health and for your home WiFi performance. Doing this allows the device to update its software, if necessary, which can help optimize your connection and speed. Learn how to restart your WiFi equipment.
Confirm Your WiFi Network
Sometimes you may be connected to your gateway's public WiFi hotspot network (xfinitywifi) or secure hotspot network (XFINITY), which can limit your WiFi speed. Go to the WiFi settings of your device to make sure you're connected to your personal in-home WiFi network.
Use a Single WiFi Name for Your Xfinity Home Network
If you have an xFi Gateway, you should simplify your WiFi by using a single name and password for your home network. xFi Gateways are "dual band" or “tri band," depending on the model. This means that they broadcast distinct radio bands for their WiFi network – either 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, or 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz bands. Using the same name and password for all bands lets your gateway sort out which one will provide a seamless connection to the best network available at any given time.Learn more about the benefits of using one WiFi name and password.
Connect High-Bandwidth Devices Through Ethernet
Whenever possible, plugging stationary devices directly into your gateway or router using an Ethernet cable may provide optimal connectivity. For example, it's ideal for desktop computers, gaming consoles and video streaming devices to be connected with an Ethernet cable instead of connecting wirelessly, since activities on those devices use a lot of bandwidth (e.g., graphic-rich online gaming, movies or TV shows).
Ethernet cables carry a specific category rating that determines max speeds. The higher the category, the faster the cable.
| Ethernet Cable Category | Max Speed | Max Bandwidth |
| Cat 3 | 10 Mbps | 16MHz |
| Cat 5 | 10/100 Mbps | 100MHz |
| Cat 5E | 1,000 Mbps/1 Gbps | 100MHz |
| Cat 6 | 1,000 Mbps/1 Gbps | 250MHz |
| Cat 6E | 10,000 Mbps/10 Gbps | 500MHz |
| Cat 7 | 10,000 Mbps/10 Gbps | 600MHz |
| Cat 7E | 10,000 Mbps/10 Gbps | 1,000MHz |
Check Bridge Mode and Antennae for Third-Party Routers
If you use your own router along with your gateway, make sure the gateway is in bridge mode. Learn more about bridge mode. You'll also want to position the antennae of your router so that one is pointing vertically (12 o'clock), and the other one is pointing horizontally (either three or nine o'clock) to broadcast the strongest signal.
Consider a Different Speed Option
If many devices access your home WiFi network at the same time, you may want to consider a higher speed tier to improve your network's performance. We offer several speed options to serve your needs. Visit xfinity.com to see which level of internet service you have and the upgrade options that are available.Other Factors That May Impact WiFi Connectivity
- Technical limitations of personal devices (e.g., an older phone that can't handle faster speeds, out of date operating systems, etc.)
- The distance between personal devices and your Gateway/modem/router
- Older devices which could be consuming bandwidth and slowing down your network
Additional Resources
https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/improve-your-wireless-home-network
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