Very Slow Wi-Fi and signal strenght very weak a few feet away from the Router

Of all the Arris/Motorola devices I've encountered, the SBG6580 is my least favorite.  I don't like the compromise they performed by making it a dual-band gateway that can only do 1 band at a time.

However, on to the actual problem.  It sounds as if either the radio in the gateway is underperforming or there is a bunch of interference.  Here are several articles regarding wifi issues that might give you a starting point:

• http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2372811,00.asp
• www.cox.com/residential/support/internet/article.cox?articleId=a3ebac70-6e5e-11e4-d31e-000000000000
• http://lifehacker.com/5931743/top-10-ways-to-boost-your-home-wi-fi

If you do intend to replace your equipment, you have to decide if you want a separate modem and router, or an all-in-one gateway - there are pros and cons for each.  I personally prefer separate devices despite the added cost since I can replace each individually, customize the router better, and can buy the exact features I need.  Gateways are for those who just want something to plug-and-pray, need to reduce desk/device clutter, or want to rent from the ISP to receive wifi technical support.

Any router will work with any modem, cable ISPs only register modem MAC addresses, the router is outside their scope, if separate.  Take a look at the cox approved modem list (http://lmgtfy.com/?q=cox+approved+modem+list), and perhaps do a bit of research as to the more popular wifi routers on Amazon.  You can always stop at a Cox retail outlet to see what they have to offer, and discuss your specific needs.

Are you connecting on the 2.4GHz band?  If so, you may have an interference problem causing slow/dropped WiFi.  I would first try changing channels, on 2.4GHz try channels 1, 6 and 11, see which gives the best result.  Also, if you can switch to the 5GHz band, you may have better result.  The SBG6580 contains a wireless n router, typical speed for "n" is 45-50Mbps.  You won't get full speed from Premier or higher levels of service.

If you want to purchase new hardware, check Cox approved modem page. If your budget can handle $250 to $300, SB6183 16x4 channel stand-a-lone modem is a good choice.  Pair that with a Netgear Nighthawk R7000 or ASUS "ac" router and you should be good to go.  The TP-Link Archer C7 is highly rated and comes in at a lower price point.  You should be able to do the 6183 and Archer C7 for about $180.  I'm just going by reviews on the C7, I don't own one so can't comment directly.

Thanks for your prompt response.  As I am trying to solve the problem by learning a bit more, I just realized that since I do use COX for my phone, I do have a modem which is a Cisco DPQ3212.  Given that I am connecting this modem to my Arris/Motorola SBG6580, sounds like all I need is to purchase a better Router and as you say, any router will work with the Modem.  A Cox technician told me that in his experience a good router he had seen with good results was the Nighthawk.

I look over the articles you referred me to and I will continue to research and see what can I do to improve my wi-fi signal so that I have acceptable around the house.  Thanks and let me know if you have any further recommendation.

AllenP:  Thanks for your response, it is greatly appreciated.  As I mentioned to grymwulf, I noticed that Cox for the phone has a CISCO DPQ3212 modem, which then takes the coaxial cable to my Arris/Motoroal SBG6580.  Sounds like I can just buy the Nighthawk R7000 and connect it to my Cisco Modem and hopefully I will get significant improvement to my set up and able to get decent Wi-Fi signal throughout the house.  I will try as you recommend changing the channels first.  I am currently using channel 1.  Using wifi analyzer, I read that better channels will be 11,12 and 13.  I will try that first.  Thanks a lot.  Appreciate your quick response.

The R7000 is a great choice, I have one - I've also been reliably told that the TP-Link Archer C7 is a good tradeoff on performance/price, but your mileage may vary.

I would recommend using the DPQ3212 for data, remove the splitter and hook the router to the Cisco modem.  You then call in to have your data service transferred to the Cisco modem. 

Grymwulf:  Thanks for your response.  Based on what I read and your E-mail, I will purchase a new router.  As I was preplanning what I was going to do, I looked at your recommendation; "using the DPQ3212 for data, remove the splitter and hook the router to the Cisco modem.  You then call in to have your data service transferred to the Cisco modem. "

IMY set up is a s follows:  Coaxial cable out of the wall to a splitter:  From the splitter one of the coaxial cable connects into the Cisco Modem DPQ3212, from the Cisco Modem a phone cable goes to the phone.   The second coaxial cable out of the splitter goes into the Arris Surfboard SBG 6580.

However, if I remove the splitter and looking at my Cisco Modem, I can't see how I would get a coaxial cable from the Modem to my new Router?  Or do I connect from the Cisco Modem to the new router via a coaxial cable?

Thanks,

Current: Cisco Modem DPQ 3212, Arris Surfboard SBG 6580 Planning on changing my Router.

The coax doesn't go to the router - your Cisco modem should have an ethernet port on it, that is the cable to use to go to your router.  The yellow plug on this image is where the router plugs into.  *** Google search Image ****

@NelsonE, just make sure you get a router (like the R7000 both @Grymwulf & I recommend), not a gateway (combo modem/router, like the SBG6580 you have).  A stand-a-lone router will only have a RJ-45 Ethernet connection, not a cable connection.

The R7000 has 5 RJ-45 ports, a WAN port that connects to the Ethernet port of you Cisco Modem, use CAT-5e or CAT-6 Ethernet cable.  The other 4 ports are LAN ports and can be used to connect wired devices to the network.

Thanks.  I did go to utube and realized that I needed to do a little investigation before I sent the e-mail.  Nonetheless, I do appreciate all your help and will go with your recommendations.  Your support has been very valuable.

AllenP;  Thanks for your help.  I will follow your and Grymwulf recommendations.  Very good advice, as well as excellent support.  It is appreciated.  I know life will be a lot easier around this wi-fi dependent household.