How far do Xfinity hotspots reach?

There is no specified range, but the estimate is usually between 20 to 100 meters on average if you are using it in the most ideal conditions. The reality is that there are numerous factors that will affect the signal strength, so it may be lower than this estimated range.

Wi-Fi hotspots are very easy to make, and they always remain useful when you want to access the internet through your laptop and there is no Wi-Fi available. This brings up an important question, though – what range should you expect when using the hotspot, and can it reach outside your house?

Unfortunately, manufacturers do not reveal the Wi-Fi specifications of their devices, although you can make some estimations through understanding how Wi-Fi networks work.

Understanding how Wi-Fi signals and hotspots work

Wi-Fi signals will use the same principles as other wireless devices to work, as the signals are in form of radio frequencies that send signals between devices, although they will use signals in the GHz range unlike radios that use MHz and kHz ranges, by using either 2.4GHz or 5GHz to send data.

On the other hand, hotspots function as internet access points over a WLAN (wireless local area network) connection through using a router that connects to an internet service provider. It is common to find hotspots at various public locations.

For smartphones to connect to Wi-Fi, they need a receiver to communicate with Wi-Fi APs (access points), as well as a Wi-Fi transmitter. The AP can be any device that can broadcast a Wi-Fi signal, such as a router, modem, or a smartphone. The AP then creates a hotspot by broadcasting the signal, which other devices can communicate with – although the hotspot range depends on the hotspot version the AP supports.

A comparison table showing different versions of hotspot protocols and theoretical specs

Protocol and speeds	Speeds	Frequency (GHz)	Range (indoor)	Range (outdoor)
802.11	1-2 Mbps	2.4GHz	20m	100m
802.11a	6-54 Mbps	3.7/5 GHz	35m	120m
802.11b	1-11 Mbps	2.4GHz	35m	140m
802.11g	6-54 Mbps	2.4GHz	38m	140m
802.11n	72-600 Mbps	2.4/5 GHz	70m	250m
802.11ac	433-6933 Mbps	5GHz	35m	Unknown
802.11ax	600-9608 Mbps	1/6 and 2.4/5 GHz	Unknown	Unknown

Factors affecting hotspot range

The range of hotspots will depend on two factors: the power output of the phone’s wireless antenna, as well as the mobile network connection’s strength.

Power output of the wireless antenna

The more power the phone’s wireless antenna can output, the greater the hotspot’s range. To find the power output, it is measured in decibel-milliwatts (dBm) and milliwatts (mW).

As a general rule, the typical wireless router you will find in a home has a power output of 20dBm on average. This means that ideal conditions of use allow the signal to have a range of 100 meters, at most. However, phone hotspots have a lower power output, which means their hotspot strength will be less than if you are using a Wi-Fi router.

Additionally, the receiving device needs to have a high power receiver, or else the hotspot will not reach further even if the smartphone antenna has a high power output. When the receiving device has a low power receiver, you will notice it cannot connect to the Wi-Fi hotspot even though there is a strong signal.

Since Wi-Fi signals move between two devices, they must communicate with each other to form a connection. If the receiving device cannot do so, it cannot form the connection you want.

Connection strength of the mobile network

To ensure the smartphone can create a hotspot, it must first connect to a mobile network. The network’s strength is essential to determining the strength of the hotspot – if the signal is weak, the hotspot will be weak and have a small range, while strong mobile network signals will create stronger hotspots with bigger ranges. The result of using a strong hotspot is strong coverage, especially when you are indoors.

Ways you can use to extend the range of an Xfinity hotspot

To extend the hotspot range and strength, you must use a Wi-Fi extender, as this will lengthen the range of the signal from your phone. The extender will take the signal coming from your smartphone, and then broadcast it to other devices.

In other words, the extender works like a bridge between the Wi-Fi hotspot and other devices outside the range – however, it will not amplify the signal.

You can get these extenders in form of wireless and wired devices, so you can use the one that fits your needs, as well as choosing those that work indoors or outdoors.

Setting up an Xfinity hotspot network

1. On the device you want to set up as an access point, access the Xfinity website and go to the settings. Search for ‘Cable Wi-Fi’ or ‘Xfinity Wi-Fi’ in your available networks.
2. Sign in using your Comcast ID. Note that Xfinity will remember your device, so you will only need to log in once.
3. Download the Xfinity Wi-Fi app to your smartphone to spot other Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots around the country. It will also direct you to other Wi-Fi hotspots near you.

Conclusion

Setting up an Xfinity hotspot through your smartphone can allow it to reach longer distances in theory, but there are various factors that affect how far it can actually reach – especially the strength of the wireless antenna on the phone and the environment you use the hotspot in. therefore, it is normal to expect the actual range of the hotspot to be less than when you use the Xfinity Wi-Fi router.

FAQs

Where do Xfinity hotspots come from?

These are under the Xfinity Wireless Gateway settings, which will broadcast two networks, ‘XFINITY’ and ‘xfinitywifi’, and these will create an extension of the Xfinity Wi-Fi network.

Does Xfinity hotspot have a limit?

Yes, it does. It can accept a maximum of 10 concurrent devices.

How far should my Xfinity router reach?

You should place it at a height of between 5 and 7 feet for the best results.

What is the range of a hotspot?

It usually ranges between 20 and 100 meters, depending on the signal strength.

How far does Xfinity Wi-Fi reach?

The maximum range is between 50 and 100 feet.