We’ve all used WiFi before but understanding exactly how it works can help you get the most out of your Rogers internet service. Read on to learn more.
What WiFi equipment does Rogers offer?
Rogers gateway modems operate both as a modem that connects to Rogers fibre-powered network for internet access, and as a WiFi router that creates a wireless network in your home. You can also add on optional hardware called WiFi pods which work together with the Rogers Xfinity Gateway to extend WiFi coverage.
What is the difference between wired and wireless internet (WiFi)?
For devices with an Ethernet port, you can connect directly to the modem for the extra stability of a hardwired connection, but WiFi gives you the convenience of accessing the internet throughout your home on smartphones, laptops and other devices.
What is WiFi 6 or WiFi 6E and what will it do for me?
Major developments in WiFi technology are grouped into WiFi generations. This helps identify the WiFi capabilities of WiFi equipment such as gateway modems and WiFi devices such as smartphones, laptops and more. WiFi 6 is the world’s latest and most powerful generation of WiFi technology. Also called 802.11ax technology, this WiFi generation includes WiFi 6 and now also WiFi 6E.
For compatible devices, WiFi 6 offers faster WiFi speed and lower lag for better responsiveness than the previous WiFi 5 generation and is perfect for gaming and video conferencing. It uses the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radio frequency bands for connectivity.
For compatible devices, WiFi 6E also extends (“E”) WiFi 6 into the new 6 GHz frequency band for true tri-band support. It enables multi-Gigabit speeds over WiFi and even more bandwidth to connect more devices and with less signal interference.
While both are part of the latest generation of WiFi technology, WiFi 6 is more widely used today in smartphones, laptops and other WiFi devices. WiFi 6E is new emerging technology only compatible with the very latest device models. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for your device to confirm the WiFi technology supported.
What is the most recent WiFi technology supported by my Rogers equipment?
Newer models of Rogers equipment support newer WiFi technologies so that you can get the best possible connection for your devices.
The following equipment supports up to WiFi 6E:
The following equipment supports up to WiFi 6:
The following equipment supports up to WiFi 5:
- Rogers Xfinity Gateway
- Rogers Xfinity WiFi Boost Pods (Gen 2)
- Rogers Xfinity WiFi Boost Pods
- Hitron CODA-4582 modem
- Most of the Hitron CGN3 series of modems
To take full advantage of WiFi technology, you will need both compatible devices and compatible home WiFi equipment. Don’t worry, Rogers Xfinity Gateway are also backwards compatible to previous generations of WiFi technology to support a wide range of WiFi devices.
How do different generations of WiFi technology compare to each other?
| WiFi generation | WiFi 4 | WiFi 5 | WiFi 6 | |
| Protocole name | 802.11n | 802.11ac | 802.11ax | |
| Radio frequency band used | 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz | 5 GHz | For WiFi 6: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz | For WiFi 6E: 6 GHz |
| Top speeds for compatible devices (relative to the other WiFi protocols) |
Good | Fast | Faster | Fastest |
| Market adoption (relative to the other WiFi protocols) |
Very common | Increasing adoption | Early adoption | |
Why do I see two WiFi networks generated by my modem at home?
Depending on your WiFi settings, you may see separate WiFi networks for each of the radio frequencies used by your home WiFi network. If available, connect your device to the WiFi network labelled “5G” at the end of the name. This is not related to cellular 5G connectivity.
For your home WiFi network, this commonly refers to 5 GHz radio frequency which typically offers faster WiFi speeds at closer range to the gateway modem and less signal interference, as compared to the 2.4 GHz radio frequency which offers greater signal range but less speed.
With newer equipment it is more likely that you will only see one WiFi network name as available for connecting devices because they will have band steering technology enabled by default when doing the initial setup. Band steering automatically connects you to the radio frequency band with the strongest signal. To achieve that, all networks need to share the same name. To learn more about dual-band technology, visit Understanding Dual-Band and Band Steering.
If you have an older modem, or have disabled band steering, you may see two separate networks. Learn how to enable or disable band steering by selecting your modem below:
How can I optimize my WiFi signal?
There are many ways you can optimize your home WiFi connection. Check out How to Optimize your Internet Speed and WiFi and Where to Place your Modem for more information.