Keep your WiFi router away from these 5 common household appliances for better connection
We'd all love to make our WiFi signal reach further in our homes- or even into the garden while we're relaxing in the sun. Those who work from home could save themselves from being stuck indoors all summer by ensuring their Wi-Fi can reach into the back garden.
But how can you maximise your WiFi signal to make sure it reaches all areas of the house and into the garden? An expert has shared their tricks for improving WiFi speed and helping it reach further, which all comes down to where you put your router.
WiFi signal and coverage can be affected by where you place your router and what objects and machines you place it beside, reported The Express. According to Sam Jenkinson, garden room expert for Tiger Modular, placing your router beside some common household appliances can disturb or absorb the signal.
The expert said to keep your router away from the following appliances:
TVs
microwaves
cordless phones
baby monitors
fridges
"When placing your Wi-Fi router, avoid positioning it near thick walls, metal surfaces or large electronics like TVs and fridges, as these can absorb or block the signal," he said.
"Similarly, devices like microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors and Bluetooth gadgets can interfere with the connection because they operate on the same frequencies as many WiFi signals.
"Interestingly, mirrors and fish tanks can also disrupt signal strength by reflecting and absorbing the signal.
"While it might be tempting to hide your router in a cupboard or behind furniture for aesthetic reasons, doing so can dramatically reduce performance.
"Instead, aim to place it centrally, elevated, and in the open, think of WiFi like light from a lamp: the more visible and unobstructed it is, the better it works throughout your space."
Sam also said that you should consider upgrading to a more modern router if you don't get WiFi in certain areas of your property, including your garden.
He revealed: "Your router is the heart of your setup. If it's old or outdated, it might not be capable of delivering a strong signal to the far corners of your property, let alone the garden.
"Upgrading to a modern, high-spec router can dramatically improve coverage and speeds."
He added: "The first thing to consider is how far your garden room is from your main house, and how it's powered as this will determine which type of connection method is right for you.
"For instance, if your garden room is within a reasonable range and already picks up some WiFi signal, a WiFi extender or mesh system can help improve it.
"WiFi extenders work by rebroadcasting your router's signal to reach further, while mesh systems use multiple devices that communicate wirelessly to create a seamless wireless network that blankets your home and garden.
"They're both great for smaller setups or when the distance isn't too extreme.
"However, these solutions rely on having a decent existing signal to work with. If the garden room is too far out or the signal is being blocked by thick walls, you may find performance drops off."
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
North Wales Live
3 hours ago
- North Wales Live
Skechers launches £45 trainers with hidden compartment for Apple AirTags
Skechers, a trainer brand renowned for its comfort and support, has taken a leap forward with a new children's shoe designed to house an Apple AirTag. This feature allows parents to track their child's movements, marking a significant departure from the brand's usual slip-on trainers or shoes with 'cloud-like' inserts. The Go Run Elevate range, starting at £45, features a concealed compartment compatible with AirTags under the inner sole. The hidden nature of the compartment may offer parents reassurance as they can monitor their child's location, whether at nursery, in the park, or during a busy day out. Prices start at £45 for toddler sizes and go up to £55 for boys' and girls' sizes. However, it is important to note that the AirTag, which is central to the shoe's design, is not included in the price. These must be purchased separately. You can buy a pack of four, reduced from £119 to £89 on Amazon. Alternatively, Currys offers a pack of four AirTags for £92, reports Nottinghamshire Live. At a first glance, the price might seem steep, but it actually breaks down to a more affordable £23 per AirTag. No other brand has launched a line of footwear specifically crafted to house a Bluetooth tracker. But the concept is gaining traction on social media, with parents threading AirTags into their children's Jordan 1 laces, now retailing at £54.99 at the Nike Store. When compared to these methods, Skechers' offering appears to be a snugger and more comfortable alternative for embedding an AirTag within footwear, complete with a cosy design. The Go Run Elevate series boasts adaptive materials and includes an instep strap for added convenience. With the design being relatively new, there aren't many comments yet, but the feedback from consumers has been largely favourable, with the handful of reviews posted so far praising the shoes' comfort and functionality. A glowing five-star review stated: "The idea of this product is awesome, and Skechers are comfortable and offer good quality for a great price. "The fact that someone gave this product a one-star rating based on a suggestion to make these for adults didn't sit well with me." Another buyer remarked on how their child found the shoe 'so comfortable to wear'. Although a majority of purchasers are supportive of the design for their kids, it's sparked some controversy and debate. On Reddit, some users have expressed reservations about the design, with one individual commenting: "This is weird since Apple doesn't recommend using AirTags to track one's kids."
Daily Record
5 hours ago
- Daily Record
Tech experts issue 'juice jacking' warning to never share your phone charger
While asking for a charger from a stranger may seem harmless, it might be something you regret. Technology experts are warning the public against ever accepting a phone charging cable from a stranger. While it may seem a harmless and generous gesture for someone to offer you a charger when you're low on juice, it may actually put your personal information and data at risk. Malicious charging cables are a fast-growing threat facing mobile users, according to security professionals, and it's one that many of us aren't aware of. Known as 'juice jacking', hackers can steal everything from your passwords to your personal photos and information using cables that look identical to legitimate phone chargers. While tampered public charging stations were already a commonly known tech threat, fraudsters have now evolved to target vulnerable individuals with low phone charge when they're out in public. Criminals are creating cables that look identical to genuine Apple or Android products but contain hidden computer chips capable of logging keystrokes, stealing credentials, and even providing remote access to your device. A tech expert from Outplayed explains: "The sophistication of these attacks has reached a truly alarming level. "There's been a massive increase in these cables that are virtually indistinguishable from legitimate Apple products, yet they're essentially miniature computers designed to harvest your data." The USB technology that powers your gadget is also responsible for handling data transfer in your device, which hackers can exploit. When you plug into a malicious cable, it can automatically access your device's contents, often bypassing the security prompts that would normally alert you to data transfer attempts, explained the expert. And that's not all. Recent developments have made these cyber attacks even more dangerous through 'choice jacking' techniques, which can actually confirm data transfer permissions on your behalf without any user interaction. This means even built-in security measures can be dodged by sophisticated malicious hardware used by the cyber crooks. The expert adds: "What makes this particularly concerning is that these cables function perfectly as chargers. "Victims often have no idea they've been compromised until it's too late. The cable charges your phone normally while secretly communicating with attackers over Wi-Fi in the background." It's vital to remain vigilant, as these attacks can happen anywhere– from borrowing a cable at work to using one offered by a well-meaning friend at a coffee shop. Some malicious cables can even simulate keyboard inputs, effectively typing commands into your phone without your knowledge. The security professionals advise phone owners to always use their own charging cable and adapter, especially in public spaces like airports or hotels. If you must charge in public, stick to wall outlets with your own equipment rather than USB charging stations. For added security, consider investing in a USB data blocker - a cheap adapter that physically prevents data transfer while allowing charging current to flow. These small devices create a barrier between your phone and potentially malicious cables. If you're looking to invest in one, there are plenty of options, such as this ' anti-juice jacker ' on Amazon for a tenner, or this one on Currys for £3.99. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Daily Record
a day ago
- Daily Record
'Excellent' Beats earbuds that fit better than airpods slashed by £90 on Amazon
The black Beats Fit Pro earbuds, now 41% off on Amazon, offer a secure fit and rich sound. Wireless earbuds are becoming a staple for music lovers and active users, thanks to their convenience, sound quality, and hands-free features. The Beats Fit Pro True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds offer a blend of style and performance, catering to both Apple and Android users with active noise cancelling and a secure fit. Available on Amazon for £129.00, the Beats Fit Pro earbuds come at a 41% discount from their regular price of £219.99. These earbuds are offered in sleek black and boast features such as flexible, secure-fit wing tips for all-day comfort, a custom acoustic platform delivering powerful, balanced sound, and Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking for immersive experiences. Two listening modes, Active Noise Cancelling and Transparency Mode, allow users to tailor their environment. Enhanced by the Apple H1 chip, these Beats Fit Pro earbuds support automatic device switching, audio sharing, and 'Hey Siri' voice activation. They're sweat and water resistant (IPX4), provide up to six hours of listening time (24 hours with charging case), and use Class 1 Bluetooth for extended range and fewer dropouts. Included in the box are the earbuds, charging case, three sizes of eartips, USB-C charging cable, and warranty card. For those considering other options, the JLab Epic Sport ANC 3 True Wireless Earbuds are available for £79.99 at Argos (20% off from £99.99). Another alternative is the JBL Live Beam 3, priced at £119.99 on the JBL website, reduced from £179.99. While these alternatives offer solid features, the Beats Fit Pro earbuds has garnered a 4.1 out of 5 stars rating from 8,326 reviews, reflecting strong user satisfaction overall. One user shared, 'I genuinely adore these. As someone who frequently found the AirPods and AirPod Pros would fall out their ear too easily these stay in place perfectly.. "The Bluetooth connectivity was perfect and very easy to use, these have almost all the functionality of an AirPod but with better shape.' Another reviewer reported a common issue, stating, 'It is my second pair and it arrived with the same issue as the first one: only one (left) AirPod works. "Headphones case can recognise and charge both earbuds but neither iPhone (15) nor the Android phone (Samsung S24 Ultra) can make both AirPods play music.' Another positive comment read, 'Absolutely love the Beats Fit Pro! These earbuds have completely transformed my daily listening experience. "The active noise cancelling is fantastic, blocks out background noise so I can fully immerse myself in my music, podcasts, or calls.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. On the flip side, some users find the fit problematic during exercise. One said, 'They're not very good for the gym and constantly fall out of my ears. Need to be sweat proof. I often find that I am having to adjust the earphones for them to fit in my ears. Little disappointed and looking for replacement as these are not doing the job.' Another reviewer praised the earbuds' performance and customer service: 'The first pair I received were faulty (left bud wouldn't connect). Amazon got me a replacement within 24 hours, excellent customer service. "New pair are outstanding, great sound and comfortable, easy to use, noise cancelling is great too, plenty of battery life too... highly recommended.' Overall, the Beats Fit Pro earbuds offer a blend of comfort, sound quality, and features suitable for everyday use, though some have experienced fit or connectivity issues.
