Alaska's Best WiFi Experience: AK-Fi

Self-installation instructions

(For self-install & re-install)

Before you begin, make sure you have the following:

• WiFi modem
• Power cord
• Coaxial cable cord
• Ethernet cable (optional for connecting devices)
• WiFi enabled device (phone/tablet/computer)

1. Connect the WiFi 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 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 WiFi SSID and Password are located on the side of your WiFi 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 WiFi network name and password, you can use the same on your new WiFi 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).
   

Changing your password

1. Connect directly to your WiFi modem via and Ethernet cable or wirelessly via your WiFi.

2. Open a web browser and visit 192.168.0.1

3. Sign in using the login credentials placed on the side of the modem.
   

   • Once you're logged in you will have the option to change the name and password for each network. Simply click the settings button for each network you wish to modify.

Create a unique password for your Home WiFi

This password should be something you haven’t used before, and are willing to share with trusted friends and family when they want to connect to your WiFi. See gci.com for steps to set up a guest network.

Your password should be at least nine characters long, and include a blend of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters.

Location matters

The location of your modem is very important. To make sure you get the most out of your GCI-provided home WiFi service, the installer will help you find the ideal spot in your home to place the WiFi 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 WiFi the most
• Keep WiFi 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 WiFi 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 WiFi speeds under normal conditions with a compatible service plan and router. Extenders may be needed to supplement home WiFi 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 WiFi 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 WiFi 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 WiFi to use your personal router

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

This will prevent the GCI WiFi modem from sending out WiFi and allow a router of your choosing to do that job. Once this is done the GCI WiFi modem will no longer broadcast WiFi 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.