360 WiFi setup & installation

The 360 WiFi system replaces a traditional router to provide premium WiFi coverage. Follow the steps below to install new 360 WiFi service and get up and running. Visit our other pages if you need to add a pod to your existing setup, or replace pods.

Video: 360 WiFi installation

VIDEO 3:58

The first step is to download the Quantum Fiber app and sign in using your email address and account password.

Download the Quantum Fiber app

Once you're in the app, tap on 360 WiFi Pods on the main screen. On the next screen, tap on the link to set up wired pod, and follow the instructions to connect your pods and activate your WiFi network. You can also follow along the screenshots and step-by-step instructions below. This process should take about 10 to 15 minutes.

Quantum Fiber app dashboard screen, showing 360 WiFi link

360 WiFi screen in app, set up wired pod

Connect the wired pod and create your WiFi network

Photo showing 360 WiFi setup with wired pod and SmartNID

1. Connect the wired pod to the SmartNID. Use the Cat6 Ethernet cable provided. Plug one end into the 10G WAN port on the bottom of the wired pod. Plug the other end into the correct port on the SmartNID (see images below). Then plug the pod into an active outlet using the power cord provided. Do not plug into a power strip or splitter.

Wired pod W1700K

Caution: Not a modem! Do not attempt to replace your SmartNID with this device.

Wired pod - Plug the Ethernet cable into the 10G WAN/LAN port

Cat6 Ethernet cord

Bottom view of SmartNID C5500K showing WAN/LAN 1 port

C5500XK - Plug in to the WAN/LAN1 port

Bottom view of Q1000K SmartNID showing 10G LAN port

Q1000K - Plug in to the 10G LAN port

Bottom view of SmartNID C6500K showing 10G WAN/LAN port

C6500XK - Plug in to the 10G WAN/LAN port

App screenshot showing how to connect wired pod to smartNID

App screenshot showing how to plug the pod into power

2. Set up new WiFi. Enter a network name (SSID) and strong network password, then enter the password again to confirm. Later you'll need to manually reconnect each of your connected devices to this network using your new SSID and password.

Note for Windows 10 devices - Password requirement

If you have a device running on the Windows 10 operating system, your WiFi password cannot contain any apostrophes (') or quotation marks ("). If these characters are used in your current password, please remove them and save a new password in order to connect devices and see your WiFi pods in the app.

This is only for Windows 10.

3. Looking for pods. The system will now locate your pod. This can take a few moments.

App screenshot showing status screen looking for pod

App screenshot showing success screen, pod found

4. Success! Once it's complete, you'll see a success screen with the name of your new WiFi network and the pod you just added. Tap the pencil icon to edit the pod name, or you can skip this step and do it later.

App screenshot showing success screen, wireless pod added

Now you can connect devices to your network, set parental controls, and WiFi the night away.

Connect wireless pod (not required for most setups)

Did you get a second pod?

If your shipment included a smaller wireless pod, continue with the next section.

You will only have a second WiFi 7 pod if you indicated in your order that your home or business is more than 4,000 square feet in size. Most households get plenty of coverage with one wired pod. Too many pods can cause interference and worse performance.

5. Tap Add wireless pod on the success screen.

App screenshot showing button to add a wireless pod

6. Scan and identify your pod. Using your phone’s camera, scan the QR code on the back of the W1701K wireless pod.

App screenshot showing scan to identify pod

Front and back view of a wireless pod W1701K

You will need to enable scanning on your phone; tap the Allow Camera Access button in the app, then tap Allow on the next screen. If you prefer, you can select Don't Allow and enter the pod serial number manually.

App screenshot showing option to allow access to the camera for scanning

Example image of scanning QR code on back of wireless pod

Note: If you need help placing your pod, tap the Pod Placement Tips link in the app, or review the tips in the drop-down below.

7. Plug the wireless pod into a power outlet and then tap Next in the app.

App screenshot showing how to plug wireless pod into power

Setup photo showing W1701 pod plugged into wall

Front and back view of a wireless pod W1701K

8. Name your pod. You can manually enter a location name or choose from one of the preset options. Then tap Save & continue. The purple status screen will show you it's working. The system will now add the wireless pod to your network.

360 WiFi setup app, notifications screen

360 WiFi setup app, allow notifications screen

9. Tap No Additional Pods, then Got it! to confirm optimization.

Your network will be optimized over the next 24 to 48 hours. As your pods send more information to the cloud, they will be continually fine-tuned to improve performance in your unique environment.

You will see the lights on the pods turn off after 15 minutes, and they will remain off during normal everyday use.

Wireless pod placement tips:

For a single-level home, place the wireless pod mid-way between the farthest room where you need a wireless connection and the SmartNID + wired pod.
For a multi-level home, place your wireless pod on a different level than the SmartNID + wired pod.

Pod placement tip 1: Build a fast core toward the inside of your home

Pod placement tip 4: Keep electrical outlets free

And that’s it—you’re ready to enjoy your 360 WiFi! The system will continue to adapt and improve intelligently as it learns your preferences and needs.

Learn how to connect devices to WiFi

Special notes for 2.4 GHz smart home devices and smart TVs

Smart home devices, such as security cameras and doorbells that need a 2.4 GHz connection, should be auto-detected and connected to your 360 WiFi network automatically. If you have trouble getting a device to connect, try making sure the device has updated firmware.

If the device still won't connect after installing updates, contact us for help.

You should be able to connect your Smart TVs in the usual way: by locating your network name in the list of available networks, then entering your WiFi password.

If you run into trouble, here are some troubleshooting steps you can follow.

Need more help? Chat with us here on the website, or you can start a chat in the app or the online portal. If you prefer to call, we're here 7 days a week 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. CST.

360 WiFi setup & installation

Video: 360 WiFi installation

Download the Quantum Fiber app

Connect the wired pod and create your WiFi network

Connect wireless pod (not required for most setups)

See steps 5-9 for wireless pod

Wireless pod placement tips

Special notes for 2.4 GHz smart home devices and smart TVs

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