December 13, 2022

Before you begin, make sure you have the following:

• Wi-Fi modem (Sagemcom or Hitron)
• Power cord
• Coaxial cable cord
• Ethernet cable (optional for connecting devices)
• Wi-Fi enabled device (phone/tablet/computer)

1. Connect the Wi-Fi cable Modem to the cable outlet in your home using the coaxial cable cord.

• Connect your modem to the coax outlet using one of the coax cables provided.

2. Connect the included power adapter from the power port to a wall outlet.

• Connect the modem to the power cord or adapter provided and then plug into an electrical outlet.
• Your modem's status indicator lights will begin to turn on. The modem will be online in just a few minutes, once the @ symbol for Hitron or the  symbol for Sagemcom located on the front of the modem stops flashing and remains lit.

3. To connect your personal device (phone, tablet, computer) to the default network:

• The default Wi-Fi SSID and Password are located on the side or back of your Wi-Fi modem.

4. Configure your home network with a custom name and password.

• Once you're logged in you will have the option to change the name and password for each network. Simply check the settings button for each network you wish to modify.
• Pro Tip: If you've already set up your devices to connect to a particular Wi-Fi network name and password, you can use the same on your new Wi-Fi modem for simplicity. 

5. Optional - Direct Ethernet Connection.

• Connect your computer to the modem with an Ethernet cable and open a web browser (i.e. Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox or Safari).

Location matters!

The location of your modem is very important. To make sure you get the most out of your GCI-provided home Wi-Fi service, the installer will help you find the ideal spot in your home to place the Wi-Fi modem for maximum speed and coverage. However, if you need to move your modem, please keep in mind:

• Choose a central location close to where you connect to Wi-Fi the most
• Keep Wi-Fi modem visible and avoid placing inside or behind cabinets or furniture
• Maintain space from appliances, electronics and metal, concrete, or glass
• Position the modem upright and elevated on a shelf or table

Performance

Newer devices connecting to the Wi-Fi achieve higher speeds. Older devices may not perform as well, even under ideal conditions because they are not as compatible. For faster speeds with these devices, try using an Ethernet connection instead.

What kind of speed should I expect?

*Typical Wi-Fi speeds under normal conditions with a compatible service plan and router. Extenders may be needed to supplement home Wi-Fi coverage and improve speeds in slower areas of your home, which GCI offers with our professional installation services. Please contact us at 800-800-4800 to find out more.

If you are unable to achieve the speeds for your device noted in the above table and are experiencing service quality issues, please note:

• To achieve the upper range of your speed tier, you must be connected via a wired Ethernet connection. Speeds through a hardwired connection are inherently faster than speeds over Wi-Fi due to potential wireless interference.
• There are a number of external factors that may limit your speed; as a result, actual speeds may vary. External factors that could impact speeds include external interference, other downloads/uploads in progress, open programs on the device you are using, as well as the number of devices simultaneously connected to your home Wi-Fi network.
• Your speeds may also be impacted by the age and processing speed of your device, the websites you are visiting, and whether your devices are free of viruses, malware, and other security risks.

How to deactivate Wi-Fi to use your personal router

You can turn off the router portion of your GCI Wi-Fi modem if you plan to use a different router.

This will prevent the GCI Wi-Fi modem from sending out Wi-Fi and allow a router of your choosing to do that job. Once this is done the GCI Wi-Fi modem will no longer broadcast Wi-Fi and you will no longer have the ability to access it from the 192.168.0.1 IP address from a web browser. If you change your mind later, no problem, just give GCI Tech Support a call and we can help you turn it back on.

• Open a web browser and visit 192.168.0.1
• Go to 'Bridge Mode' tab
• Select 'Enable ON'
• Save your changes by clicking the 'Apply' button
• Accept the popup warning
• Gateway will reboot into Bridge 'Modem Only' Mode
• Reverse steps above or Factory Default to enable gateway

Download this article as a PDF - Sagemcom

Download this article as a PDF - Hitron