WiFi Support | Tips & Links

Select the Right WiFi Device

To get the best WiFi performance and speed, lease a WiFi device from WOW!  You’ll receive a device that aligns with your Internet speed and technical support from our agents and technicians.  You can choose from a: 

• Wireless modem for standard WiFi 
• TrueMesh WiFi device with multiple devices across your home 
• Provides the strongest WiFi signal strength, automatic WiFi optimization for your home’s layout, automated issue resolution and WiFi security 

If you choose to purchase your own WiFi device, select a device with the following: 

• 3.1 DOCSIS   
• For older devices click here to view the minimum DOCSIS version speed requirements
• WiFi 6 or greater technology 
• Maximum wireless speed that meets or exceeds your subscribed speed 
• Wireless coverage for strong signal strength throughout your home 
• TrueMesh WiFi technology. 
• Ethernet port for wired connection 
• Regular automated firmware updates to maintain optimal performance, privacy and WiFi security 
• Trusted manufacturer to ensure reliable performance, support and frequent updates 

Optimize Your WiFi Device Location

Your WiFi device's location plays a crucial role in your WiFi performance. Follow these tips to ensure optimal placement and connectivity: 

Centralized Location

• Position your WiFi Device in the center of your home for even signal distribution. 
• Avoid placing it at the far end of a house or in a corner, as this can limit coverage to other areas. 
• For multi-story homes, place the WiFi device on the middle floor to ensure an even distribution of signal across all levels. 
• Consider installing a mesh WiFi system or range extenders if you experience weak signals on different floors. 

Elevate Your WiFi Device

• Place the WiFi device on a high surface, such as a shelf, to minimize interference from furniture and walls. 
• Keep it off the floor, as signals travel better horizontally and downward. 

Avoid Physical Obstacles

• Keep the WiFi device away from thick walls, metal objects, and large appliances like refrigerators or microwaves that can block or weaken the signal. 
• Minimize placement near mirrors or aquariums, as they reflect and distort signals.

Reduce Interference from Other Electronics

• Place your WiFi device away from electronics like cordless phones, baby monitors, and Bluetooth devices that operate on similar frequencies and can cause interference. 
• If possible, use the 5 GHz band, which is less prone to interference than the 2.4 GHz band.  

Select the Right Internet Speed  

WiFi bandwidth is shared across all connected devices. The more devices and activities, such as video streaming or online gaming, the more the speed is divided. In other words, an Internet 500 plan may be fine for a single user household.  But a household with multiple users, with bandwidth-heavy activity will need a higher speed to ensure everyone gets what they need. 

• Contact an agent to upgrade your speed
• You can also opt to disconnect unused devices and close unnecessary programs or browser tabs to free up bandwidth. 
• Learn more about speed testing 

Check Capabilities of Connected Devices

• Make sure the devices you use on the internet (computers, phones, tablets, gaming consoles) can receive the speeds you have subscribed to.  
• Things like the network card, mobile device model, WiFi standards and hardware can limit the maximum data that is transferred and speed they experience.  View list of speeds allowed by devices 

Secure Your WiFi Connection

Network security is vital for protecting your connection from unauthorized users and maintaining optimal speeds. Follow these best practices: 

Customize the WiFi Network Name (SSID)

• Protect access to your WiFi by customizing your network’s name away from the manufacturer’s default.  Doing so puts an extra layer of security in place and avoids confusion with a neighbor who may have the same device.   
• Select a name that is easy to remember but doesn’t reveal your personal identity.

Set a Strong Password

• Although the default password on your WiFi device may seem cryptic and hard to hack, it’s best to personalize that from the manufacturer’s default as well.  
• Use a complex password with a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters and don’t repeat a password you’ve used on other devices.

Limit Access

• Only share your WiFi password with trusted individuals and change it periodically to enhance security.  
• If you lease an eero or TP-Link device from WOW!, use the app to set up guest access that can be shut down when guests leave. 

Upgrade Your Security Package

• WOW!‘s eero and TP-Link devices come with upgraded security such as encryption, firewalls and secured device information. View details.
• You can also upgrade to additional levels of eero or TP-Link HomeShield security. View details.

Need Help Improving Your Performance?

• Run a speed test: 
  • Use the WOW! speed test site if you have a WiFi modem (gateway) 
  • Use your eero or TP-Link app if you have those devices 
• View WOW! WiFi device speeds
• View WiFi help articles
• Upgrade to a higher speed to keep pace with your usage 
• Contact an agent for support
• Contact an agent to upgrade your speed