WiFi has become one of the most important elements in the home, because it is the tool that provides an Internet connection, and we do more and more things and spend more and more time connected to the network.
However, the Wi-Fi router, the device that provides the connection, is largely unknown to most users, writes El Economista. In addition to choosing the wrong location for it (which most people also do incorrectly), users tend to forget where they put the router until it starts malfunctioning. But Wi-Fi routers, like any other device, work better and offer advantages if you know how to use them properly. However, you have to be careful with them too, and sometimes they don’t work as they should because of our own mistakes.
For various reasons, there are different appliances and common objects in every house that affect the connection and make our WiFi slower than it should be, so it is important to put the router away from them.
1. Televisions
Large screens can reduce signal quality because the TV acts as a physical obstacle and a source of electromagnetic interference.
2. Microwave oven
Microwaves interfere with WiFi because they operate on the same frequency as 2.4 GHz signals, forcing them to compete for the network and negatively impacting Internet strength and speed.
3. Refrigerator
The refrigerator is actually one of the biggest “enemies” of your Wi-Fi, even more so than your TV. If your TV is an obstacle, your refrigerator is practically an impenetrable fortress for Internet signals because it’s made almost entirely of metal.
4. Smart speakers and Bluetooth devices
Bluetooth speakers and other wireless devices compete for the same Wi-Fi frequency bands, disrupting the signal. Although they need the network to work, it’s best to place them further away from the router so they don’t monopolize the connection.
5. Mirror
Although not an interfering device through its connection or radiation, these items are harmful to your connection due to their reflective characteristics.
The mirrors are composed of a layer of glass and a metal layer on the back, which acts as a conductive material. These properties allow them to reflect and deflect the signals emitted by the Wi-Fi router, causing interference and reducing the signal strength reaching your devices.
