Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Xfinity xFi to Manage Consumer Wi-Fi Networks

As the potential number of connected devices grows, dead spots are a more vexing problem. At least in part, that is why Comcast launched Xfinity xFi, a managed Wi-Fi service.

The service automates and simplies setting up home Wi-Fi networks and troubleshooting. Also, Comcast is preparing to add no-configuration xFi pods (range extenders) that can be paired with xFi gateways.

Comcast says xFi is now available to the 10 million Xfinity Internet customers with a compatible Xfinity WiFi device, and expects to have about 15 million xFi gateways in service by the end of 2017.

The xFi functions can be controlled using a mobile app, the website or on a TV using the X1 voice remote. The xFi service also brings mesh networking for the range extender functions and set-up.

Mesh Wi-Fi networks are likely to be more important as internet of things apps and services proliferate, in large part because Wi-Fi is the default internet connection for most home and business users. So no matter what the “access” (network to user site) connection is, the “device” connection (phone, TV, PC, game player, security sensor, camera) uses Wi-Fi.

Most people likely experience at least some recurring connection issues (stability, speed, coverage) with their Wi-Fi networks. In the past, people sometimes were able to move routers, install their own signal boosters or take other steps to maximize signal strength (including moving yourself and your device to an area of better signal strength).




No comments:

Post a Comment

Is Sora an "iPhone Moment?"

Sora is OpenAI’s new cutting-edge and possibly disruptive AI model that can generate realistic videos based on textual descriptions.  Perhap...