how often do new routers get added to approved list?

Cox approves gateways and modems, not stand-a-lone routers like the R8000.  As long as you have a Cox approved modem to go with your R8000, you should be good.  You do have a modem, don't you?  It is a very good router, state of the art today.  I have the next model down, the R6700 (an R7000 made for Costco) and no problems using it on Cox internet.

Hi, Cox does not restrict what routers you can use to setup your own home wifi network (exception: Cox Gigablast installations). Additional information: Cox In-Home WiFi: http://bit.ly/1sawG67 Cox Approved Cable Modems: http://bit.ly/1WAkago If you need assistance setting up your home network, we offer fee-based solutions: http://bit.ly/1QyXglC  or call 1-877-TEC-SOLV (1-877-832-7658). I hope this information is helpful!

Please inform Cox's techs-by-phone. Just talked to a Shawn/Sean who told me my new Linksys WRT1200AC router was not on the approved list and he could do nothing to help me connect it with Cox. Now you say any router will do! I avoid seeking "support" as much as I can because I find it spotty, at best.

mer02phd said:
told me my new Linksys WRT1200AC router was not on the approved list

There is no approved list for wireless routers, only modems and gateways. All you have to do is have Cox get your modem activated, then when that's done simply connect the Linksys router to the modem and power cycle both devices and you should be connected.

mer02phd, what modem do you have?

-Turn both units off (or unplug)
-Connect the modem to the WAN port on the router using Cat5e or Cat6 cable
-Power on the modem, wait for it to fully boot ... lights are on steady.
-Power on the router, wait for it to fully boot.
-Boot any devices on the network, do this so they will get a fresh ip address from the router.
-Do any router setup ... see router manual. 

You should be good to go.

mer02phd said:
he could do nothing to help me connect it with Cox.

In a way, what you were told was accurate. Cox can not help you configure the router because it is not Cox equipment. Cox only offers basic home networking troubleshooting for those gateways Cox installs for you. Since you bought this router yourself, besides basic internet troubleshooting (power cycling, making sure the modem is online, etc) they are unable to help you. That does NOT mean it won't work, just that they can't help you to get it to work. With that said, it should be pretty straight forward. What kind of problem are you having?

Thank you. Activation was not difficult. Wish Cox tech had distinguished modems from routers.