If your internet connection has been frustratingly slow, the culprit might be swimming in a tank in your living room. A broadband expert has revealed that common household items, including pet fish and mirrors, can significantly weaken your Wi-Fi signal.
Unexpected Household Culprits Slowing Your Connection
Tom Heywood, Broadband Expert at Community Fibre, has identified several surprising obstacles that can disrupt your home network. Beyond the usual suspects like thick walls, he warns that aquariums, reflective surfaces, and even everyday electronics are often to blame for poor connectivity.
"Things such as some baby monitors, radio devices and Bluetooth speakers can cause signal interference," Heywood explains. Other objects like mirrors, fishtanks, and chimney breasts introduce 'signal attenuation', where the signal strength is weakened as it passes through.
Five Quick Fixes for a Faster Internet
Heywood has provided five straightforward solutions that can dramatically improve your broadband performance without requiring technical expertise.
1. Find the Perfect Spot for Your Router
Wi-Fi signals degrade when they must pass through solid objects. Hiding your router in a cupboard, placing it behind a television, or positioning it near metal objects can drastically reduce its effectiveness. For the best results, place your router in a central, elevated location, such as on a shelf or wall mount, and keep it away from other large electronics like microwaves.
2. Reduce Network Congestion
Every smartphone, tablet, and smart device connected to your Wi-Fi consumes a share of the available bandwidth. If your household is simultaneously streaming films, gaming online, and making video calls, it's no surprise that speeds can plummet. Disconnect devices you're not actively using and consider scheduling large downloads for off-peak hours. For stationary devices like desktop computers, using a physical Ethernet cable can free up precious wireless capacity.
3. Upgrade Outdated Hardware
Technology moves quickly, and an older router may be the bottleneck in your home. Routers more than five years old often lack support for modern standards like Wi-Fi 6, which offers faster speeds and better coverage to handle multiple devices. Investing in a new router can make a huge difference, especially in busy households with many connected gadgets.
4. Identify and Remove Signal Blockers
Be mindful of where you place your router in relation to other household objects. As well as fish tanks and mirrors, be aware that bluetooth speakers and baby monitors can cause direct interference. Positioning your router away from these items can lead to a more stable and stronger connection.
5. Review Your Internet Plan
Sometimes the issue isn't your Wi-Fi signal, but the broadband speed you're paying for. If you're on a lower-tier plan, your provider might intentionally slow your connection during busy periods, a practice known as 'throttling'. If you consistently experience slow speeds, particularly in the evenings, it might be time to contact your provider and upgrade to a faster, more reliable service.
Why a Fast Connection Matters More Than Ever
In today's connected world, suffering from slow Wi-Fi isn't just a minor annoyance. It can directly impact your ability to work from home effectively, disrupt your downtime when streaming entertainment, and hinder your capacity to stay in touch with friends and family. By following these expert tips, you can take control of your home network and enjoy a faster, more reliable internet experience.
