3 Messages
Do not do it!
Do not get internet essentials. IT DOESNT HAVE SERVICE TO HALF MY HOUSE! I was on the phone for hours on mutiple days. To sum this up, it is a long story, basically I said i needed an extender or a second unit to buy originally but the essistials will only allow one unit. The internet signal can not go thru my aluminum siding from the L-shape of my house. I was on the phone for 2 hours that time. Everyone said something different. I got a new box meant to be with an extender but at the store, no, they do not give free extenders. A tech came out after hours and another 2 phone call, not telling me there is a fee. I needed him to confirm this... he couldnt fix the problem. He put notes on my account that he hooked my internet up?! He did nothing. I didnt get the extender, just a nice 100 dollar bill they said they would credit back but didn't and refuse now to do anything. I asked does this sound right? You charged me 100 dollars to do nothing. And i was already told i would get a 100 dollar credit but now they are refusing it.
flatlander3
Problem Solver
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1.5K Messages
2 years ago
You wouldn't want a 2nd gateway, even if they allowed you to have two independent service lines to your residence. You'd just double your monthly bill.
You are on your own for WiFi coverage, and every structure is a bit different. It isn't something Xfinity is going to do a "site survey" and fix for you. The "Pod" extenders are problematic for a few reasons. One of them is complete lack of radio control, so if you've got devices that require a 2.4G signal, and don't work with band steering very well on their newer gear, you're out of luck. They also don't do the pod-to-pod or pod-to-gateway hand-off very well, if it even functions at all. Other gear can.
You'll have better luck buying a mesh network system (A base unit and enough remote units you strategically place to cover what you need for WiFi), or running Ethernet for WiFi access points and placing them where you need them to get around construction material and floor plan issues.
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EG
Expert
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110.8K Messages
2 years ago
@user_h318re @XfinityJamesC
Please circle back here and post any possible solutions for the issue here in these open forums so that all readers here may benefit from the exchange / info. This is in keeping with the spirit for which these public help forums were originally intended. Thank you.
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zandor60657
Contributor
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204 Messages
2 years ago
I'd skip the extenders and get a mesh kit unless you're more tech savvy than most and handy enough to pull ethernet cables to commercial WiFi access points. Business class access points are the best WiFi, but that's because of features not speed and lots more features plus usually a central controller and a bunch of manual configuration means you have to have some idea what you're doing with pro grade gear to get them to work right. Then in the middle wiring a mesh kit is a good option for people who are handy and can pull cables but prefer a more plug & play experience with networking equipment. Pulling ethernet is easier than pulling Romex and terminating it with wall jacks isn't bad at all. Of course that also depends on your home. Pulling cable is a no go if you have to tear drywall apart to do it. If you have an unfinished (or drop ceiling) basement or an attic you can go through it's a lot easier. Putting plugs on the end of ethernet cables takes a bit of practice, but wall jacks are easy. Also don't forget about ceiling jacks if you have an attic you can go through. That works best with the commercial access points though since you can get ceiling & wall mount models. My access points look like smoke alarms.
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