Xfinity xFi Gateways combine the technology of an Internet/Voice modem and WiFi router neatly in one piece of equipment, delivering in-home WiFi that's fast and reliable.

If you want to connect more than one device to the Internet, you need a router. When you lease an Xfinity Wireless Gateway, the router is built into it. The Wireless Gateway acts as a modem (connection to the Internet) and a router (connecting multiple devices within the home).

Earlier generations of xFi Gateways are "dual band," meaning that they broadcast two separate radio bands for their WiFi network – a 2.4 GHz band and a 5 GHz band. The next generation xFi Advanced Gateway (XB8) is “tri-band”, meaning it broadcasts three separate radio bands – 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz, with WiFi 6E.

The router connects to your modem and then to your devices (laptops, smart TVs, printers, etc.) via either an Ethernet cable or, in the case of a wireless router, WiFi signal. The router creates a local area network (LAN) within your house, allowing your devices to share files and peripherals like printers.

The xFi Gateway is an optional combo cable modem/Wi-Fi router that's built to streamline your home internet setup. The Xfinity Gateway wirelessly connects your home devices to the internet, supports Xfinity Voice, and integrates with services like the Xfinity mobile app.

Customers who lease the xFi Advanced Gateway receive a full suite of complimentary services and products, including:

• WiFi Controls.
• Advanced Cyber Security Protection.
• Pods.
• Streaming.

What is a Gateway? Put simply, a gateway is a device that combines the functions of a modem and a router. A modem is a device that connects to your cable or phone lines and translates the data or information from the Internet to your computer or connected device.

The WiFi connection between your device and the Wireless Gateway can operate on one of a few channels (if connected to 2.4GHz) or one of a couple dozen channels (if your device supports 5GHz or 6GHz).

A wireless gateway routes packets from a wireless LAN to another network, wired or wireless WAN. It may be implemented as software or hardware or a combination of both. Wireless gateways combine the functions of a wireless access point, a router, and often provide firewall functions as well.

A router is a device that connects two or more packet-switched networks or subnetworks. It serves two primary functions: managing traffic between these networks by forwarding data packets to their intended IP addresses, and allowing multiple devices to use the same Internet connection.

Xfinity's network mostly delivers cable internet, which gives you good download speeds with slower upload speeds. Xfinity also offers a fiber connections for it's 6,000 Mbps plan that's available in some locations, but the availability is extremely limited.

Xfinity xFi lets you manage your home WiFi network and connected home. You can self-install and set up your WiFi environment in minutes, find your WiFi password, know who's online, view camera video, troubleshoot issues and manage family members' online experiences with features like Pause and Parental Controls.