Replacing XB6 with XB8 and continue using Gen1 PODs

[Bplayer]

Seems the supply of XB8's is not longer constrained so considering upgrading. My XB6 modem is located in a corner of my apartment, worst possible location. Two PODs are installed, the first 20' away and the second 17' from the first. Have done extensive position testing with 1, 2, and 3 PODs to provide limited  WiFi coverage at the diagonally opposite location in the apartment . There is no flexibility in the placement of the modem due to connections, cosmetics, etc. Some questions:

1. Need to confirm that the Gen1 PODs will work with the XB8 (yes i know they are speed limited)?

2. Will the XB8 provide WiFi 6e coverage and speeds to 6e devices located within 8-12' of the modem?

3. If the XB8 is used in bridge mode will the phone post still be active and usable (connected to a 6e modem that is better located)?

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@Bplayer wrote:

Seems the supply of XB8's is not longer constrained so considering upgrading. My XB6 modem is located in a corner of my apartment, worst possible location. Two PODs are installed, the first 20' away and the second 17' from the first. Have done extensive position testing with 1, 2, and 3 PODs to provide limited  WiFi coverage at the diagonally opposite location in the apartment . There is no flexibility in the placement of the modem due to connections, cosmetics, etc. Some questions:

1. Need to confirm that the Gen1 PODs will work with the XB8 (yes i know they are speed limited)?

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As far as I know, the Gen1 Pods work with all Ignite gateways.  I checked both the Rogers and Comcast support pages and did not see anything to suggest that a Gen1 pod would not work with the Gen3 (XB8) Gateway.

https://www.rogers.com/support/internet/how-to-install-use-ignite-wifi-pods

https://www.rogers.com/support/internet/ignite-wifi-pods

https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/wifi/xfi-pod

2. Will the XB8 provide WiFi 6e coverage and speeds to 6e devices located within 8-12' of the modem?

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Sure.  The Ignite Gateways still accept Wi-Fi connections from devices even when you have Pods installed.

One thing to note: Since the 6 GHz band is Wi-Fi 6E-only, I believe that it only allows clients to connect with WPA3 security, and connections to the (Wi-Fi 5) Pods require WPA2.  In order for your Wi-Fi 6E-capable devices to be able to roam throughout your apartment, you will need to ensure that they can connect to your Wi-Fi network using both security protocols.

3. If the XB8 is used in bridge mode will the phone post still be active and usable (connected to a 6e modem that is better located)?

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Yes, Ignite Home Phone still works while the Ignite Gateway is in Bridge Mode.

Back to this comment:

My XB6 modem is located in a corner of my apartment, worst possible location. Two PODs are installed, the first 20' away and the second 17' from the first. Have done extensive position testing with 1, 2, and 3 PODs to provide limited  WiFi coverage at the diagonally opposite location in the apartment .

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Do you require the first Ignite Pod for Wi-Fi coverage or is it only there to serve as a relay to provide connectivity for the second Pod?

Not sure if you are aware but for quite a while now, it has been possible to connect Pods to the Gateway via Ethernet.  I know that this works with a Gen2 Pod, but I'm pretty sure it works with the Gen1 as well, provided that it has firmware version 3.4.1.9 (or later) installed.  If you can eliminate the "relay" Pod and connect directly to the Gateway via Ethernet, you should also see substantially better Wi-Fi throughput.

[Bplayer]

Excellent feedback on all points.

I did not know that a Pod could use an Ethernet connection with the Gateway, and thought that the port was just to provide wired connection to a device. There is an Ethernet port in the far location of my apartment and can  confirm that the Gen1 works with it. This is a fantastic discovery that allows the other Pod that was being used to be eliminated. There is now better overall coverage at  all locations.

Next step will be to request an XB8 to take advantage of Wi-Fi 6e.

Many thanks!!!

[Bplayer]

Update:

XB8 was requested on Sat with appointment set for Monday, no self install. It took the Tech all of 15 minutes to setup.

After he left I needed to change the network name as I gave the wrong one on setup. This created some unnecessary headaches, but all resolved now. Ethernet connection to Pod still works. Speed and network testing discovered that an XB7 was installed, not an XB8. Contacted a Specialist this morning and was told that the XB8 is only available to customers with Gigabit 1.5 or higher, and I am on 1.0 plan. Should have been told this at the start.

Anyway the XB7 is slightly faster than the XB6 and less fan noise, so this has been a worthwhile adventure.

Thanks again.