Roots & Wings Online
By Robert Daly, LARCS Technology Advisory Committee
Ladera Ranch residents have access to Cox’s Gigabit Home Internet service, which is included in LARMAC’s member benefits. Homeowners pay a discounted rate of $32.09 per month for internet service, which is included in their monthly assessment. Learn more at LaderaLife.com/cox.
Gigabit Speed
“Gigabit” implies something very fast. And it is! Using an ethernet connection, the download speeds (from a server to your computer) will be very close to the full Gigabit speed of 1 gigabit per second. It’s ideal for downloading and streaming movies and for video calls.
At my home, I get close to Gigabit speeds when using an ethernet cable connected from my Mac Mini Pro computer to my cable modem. Wi-Fi download speeds will be slower, usually around 500 to 700 megabits per second. Wi-Fi trades performance for the convenience.
Test your Internet Speeds
An easy way to test your download and upload speeds is to use SpeedTest.net. Are you getting Gigabit speeds? Great, enjoy your supercharged Internet. Otherwise, keep reading.
How to get Gigabit Service
First, ensure you have the cable modem and Wi-Fi hardware. You’ll need a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem or better. You may rent one from Cox or purchase your own. I use an ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem. It costs about $119 on Amazon.com. If you purchase your own, check the list of Cox-certified cable modems.
Next, be sure your Wi-Fi router meets the Wi-Fi 6 standard. I purchased my Netgear Orbi Wi-Fi 6 Router RBR 750 from Costco. The Google Nest - AC2200 Wi-Fi router I purchased for a family member was easy to set up and improved their Wi-Fi speeds. Finally, you’ll need to ensure your home network is set up correctly. The graphic below shows a simple Home Network setup.
What to Expect
By using a WiFi 6 router, including the new mesh routers and modern modems (DOCSIS 3.1), and subscribing to Cox’s Gigabit service, you might see a 10x increase in download speeds.
If you need assistance with your set-up, you may contact Cox or hire an expert. You may reach Cox at (855) 512-8876. Be sure to advise the representative that you live in Ladera Ranch, which has a bulk discounted rate and is included as part of your homeowner assessment fee. Here is the Cox WiFi Guide for reference.
The Ladera Ranch Tech Support Facebook Group was founded by Ladera Ranch resident and fellow TAC member Robert Lozano. It’s a great resource for finding help and answers.
Resources
Cox Internet page
Recommended Modems and Routers for Cox/Ladera Internet Services (9/2020)
Work from Home? Request Letter for Reimbursement from Your Company
Technology Advisory Committee (TAC, a LARCS Committee)
