Frequently Asked Questions

What will Home Networking do for me?
Home Networking from Cox lets you share your Cox High Speed Internet connection with up to four computers in your home – no more waiting for your turn to use the Internet. In addition to sharing your Internet connection with all your computers, you can transfer files between your PCs, share a printer and access the Internet anywhere in your home with our wireless option. (Note: Not all systems support file and print sharing.)

Why Should I Purchase Home Networking From Cox Instead Of Trying To Install One Myself?
Here are just a few of the added benefits your family will enjoy with Home Networking from Cox:

• Professional Installation – Cox experts will completely install and configure your home network and we are available 24/7 to answer any questions.
• Unparalleled Support – With our home networking service plan you will enjoy the added protection of in-home support if necessary.
• Added Protection – The home networking service plan also includes protection of video and telephone wiring in your home and an extended 3-year warranty on your home networking equipment (varies by location)*
• Eliminate Frustration – Let Cox sweat the details. Research shows that 45% of those who tried to install their own home network experienced problems with installation and configuration. Don’t be a statistic – let Cox install your Home Network!

How Much Does Home Networking From Cox Cost?
Please call your local Cox office for pricing options on Home Networking installation and service plans. The cost is very inexpensive compared to the savings of sharing a printer, files and programs – not to mention the time and aggravation you will save by being able to access the Internet when you want. In addition, our award-winning support team is available 24/7 to make sure your network works flawlessly.

What Types Of Home Networking Solutions Are Available From Cox?
Cox offers both wired and wireless home networking options. There are several differences between wired and wireless networks.

• A wired network uses wires to transmit data using a longtime networking standard called Ethernet. Ethernet home networks are one of the fastest available. However, if your home is not pre-wired, your Cox technician will install cabling from each of your network devices to the home networking router or central connection point. If you will be using your network to handle graphic intensive applications, have stationary desktop PCs, and don’t mind extra wiring in your home, wired networking would work best for you.
• A wireless network uses technology similar to that of a cordless phone where information is transmitted through the air via wireless radio signals. This eliminates the need for wires to be installed in the home to connect the various network devices to the network. Wireless allows laptop network users greater freedom of movement throughout the home. If you want to avoid having to wire your home, would like the freedom to move about your home with a laptop, wireless home networking would be your ideal choice.

How Secure Are Wireless Networks?
There are many things you can do to secure your home network. All wireless equipment installed by Cox will come equipped with several built-in security features from the manufacturer. Our installer will enable these built-in security features (like SSID and WEP encryption) and implement passwords to ensure continued security. Users may also add additional layers of security by installing 3rd party firewall software sold in retail stores or online.

Does Cox Offer Home Networking For Macintosh Computers?
Yes, however there are several limitations for Macintosh computers:

• Only the wired option is available for Macintosh computers at this time,
• If you have both Windows based PCs and Macintosh computers on your home network, file and printer sharing features are not be available for the Macs on the network.

What Is The Equipment Warranty For Home Networking From Cox?
All home networking equipment from Cox comes with an extended warranty of 3 years. If the equipment fails during this time through normal usage, Cox will replace the defective unit free of charge. You will not have to pay any labor charge for equipment replacement.

Will Having All My Computers On The Internet Slow Down My Internet Connection?
For most households who use their PCs for everyday computing tasks, none of the PCs should experience a noticeable slowdown in speed with either a wired or a wireless home network. Wireless equipment has transmit rates of up to 11Mbps…more than enough to handle everyday computing tasks, like e-mail, web surfing, file sharing and downloading music. However, if you plan to use your network for graphic intensive applications or intensive file swapping, we recommend a wired home network for optimal network performance.

What Is A Firewall?
A firewall is a security scheme built into routers installed by Cox, allowing for safe communications to and from the Internet. It monitors and keeps unauthorized users and hackers from gaining access to your home PCs.

What Components Will Be Necessary To Build A Home Network?
Cox will install the router, network adapters and any cabling required for your network.

What Is A Router?
A router is the central connection device of your home network. This is the device that routes or directs the information in your network to the proper destination. The router is the brains of your home network and allows you to share your high-speed Internet service between all the PCs in your home.

Should I Get A Wired Router Or A Wireless Router?
If your computers are all in the same room a wired router might be best. If your computers are in different rooms or if you have a laptop and wish to roam about, then a wireless router might be best. You can always have wired connections into the wireless router if you wish.

What Is An Adapter?
An adapter is a device that each PC needs in order to be part of your home network. Each adapter connects via either a wired or wireless connection to the Internet-sharing device (also known as a router). There are three types of adapters for both wireless and wired home networks. The type of adapter you need depends on the type of PC you have – alternatives are Network Interface Cards (NICs), USB Adapters or PCMCIA Cards (for laptops). Our technicians have the knowledge and experience required to select the best adapter for your needs.

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