Is your Wi-Fi signal acting up? Before blaming your internet service provider, look at where your router is placed. Surprisingly, the culprit might not be your router itself but the objects surrounding it. In this article, we’ll explore seven common items you should avoid placing near your router to have you improve your Wi-Fi experience in no time.
1. Tanks of Water and Rainfall Interference
Tanks of water, whether they contain fish or not, can pose a problem for your Wi-Fi signal. These containers have the ability to absorb radio frequencies, potentially blocking or disrupting your router’s signal. Interestingly, this issue extends beyond the walls of your home, especially when it’s raining. Rainfall can partially absorb wireless signals, leading to reduced coverage outside the building. Improving your Wi-Fi is as easy as keeping a distance between your device and water!
2. Metal Objects, Mirrors, and Signal Deflection Are Against Improving Your Wi-Fi
If your router is placed near a large mirror, it could bounce off signals and create dead zones within your home. When signals bounce off metal surfaces or mirrors, they can deflect and interfere with the connection. This is one reason why your devices might struggle to connect to the router even when they are in close proximity.
3. Microwaves and Radio Frequency Overlap
Microwave ovens, a common household appliance, can disrupt your Wi-Fi signal due to the small amounts of radiation they emit. While microwave radiation operates at a different frequency from Wi-Fi, it still falls within the 2.4 GHz range, which is also used by your Wi-Fi network. Therefore, using the microwave can temporarily disrupt you from improving your Wi-Fi connection, especially on certain devices.
4. Improving Your Wifi: Internet vs Large Objects
Despite the remarkable technology behind routers, they are easily affected by physical barriers. The radio waves used in Wi-Fi have shorter wavelengths than those used in traditional radio transmissions. This means that they lose strength quickly when encountering obstacles. To ensure a smoother connection, it’s essential to maintain a clear path between your router and your devices. Avoid tucking your router behind furniture or large objects.
5. Cordless Phones and Frequency Conflicts
Believe it or not, some people still have cordless phones at home, and these phones operate at a frequency similar to Wi-Fi routers. Placing these two devices close to each other can lead to a slow and interference-prone connection. Consider placing your cordless phone away from your router to improve your Wi-Fi connection.
6. Bluetooth Devices and Proximity: Improving Your Wi-Fi
Bluetooth devices, such as wireless headphones and speakers, can also interfere with Wi-Fi signals, especially when they are in close proximity to your router. The closer these devices are to the router, the worse the interference becomes. Improving your Wi-Fi is as simple as keeping Bluetooth devices at a distance from your router.
7. Electronic Devices and Frequency Emissions
Surprisingly, even electronic devices that are not directly connected to your Wi-Fi network can disrupt your router’s signal. Everything from baby monitors to fluorescent lights emits frequencies that can interfere with Wi-Fi signals. You can start improving your Wi-Fi connection by keeping your router away from any electronic devices it doesn’t need to connect with.
In conclusion, improving your Wi-Fi signal doesn’t always require upgrading your router or changing your internet plan. By being mindful of where you place your router and avoiding these common interference-causing items, you can enjoy a smoother and faster Wi-Fi experience. So, before you start blaming your internet provider, consider moving that fish tank or microwave oven away from your router. Your online activities will thank you for it.