Five common household items that 'cause major WiFi' disruption
If you're looking to boost your Wi-Fi signal this summer, especially when lounging in the garden, there are a few household appliances you should keep your router away from.
Slow or limited Wi-Fi can be a real headache for homeowners, particularly during the summer months when many of us want to enjoy music, podcasts or video calls with loved ones outdoors. One expert has revealed some handy tips to improve your Wi-Fi coverage, including one hack that might not have crossed your mind.
The placement of your router and its proximity to certain objects and devices can significantly impact your Wi-Fi signal and coverage. Sam Jenkinson, a garden room specialist at Tiger Modular, has a clear warning for those who want to boost their internet connection.
Five common household items should be avoided when deciding where the router needs to live. Sam says that placing your router next to everyday household items like TVs, microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors and fridges can disrupt or absorb the signal, resulting in less coverage.
"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 advised.
"Likewise, devices like microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors and Bluetooth gadgets can interfere with the connection because they operate on the same frequencies as many Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi like light from a lamp: the more visible and unobstructed it is, the better it works throughout your space." Sam also advises upgrading to a more modern router if you struggle to get Wi-Fi in certain areas of your property, including your garden.
Having a new router could make all the difference, reports the Express. Sam said: "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"If it's old or outdated, it might not be capable of delivering a strong signal to the far corners of your property, let alone the garden.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.
"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 Wi-Fi signal, a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system can help improve it.
"Wi-Fi 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."
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