Common Household Devices Near Routers Can Slow Down Your Wi-Fi Speed
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Home internet slowdowns may be caused by common devices near routers disrupting Wi-Fi signals. Experts recommend repositioning routers to open, central locations to improve wireless performance, though this won't increase the internet plan's speed. Testing speed before and after moving the router can help identify if placement is the issue.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Common household electronics near routers can interfere with Wi-Fi signals, especially at 2.4 GHz.
- Microwaves, smart speakers, baby monitors, and physical obstacles can degrade internet performance.
- Experts recommend placing routers in open, central, and elevated locations for better signal.
- Relocating the router can improve wireless reception but won't increase the internet plan's speed.
- Users should test internet speed before and after moving the router to check for improvements.
If your home internet feels slow, experts advise checking the placement of your router before upgrading your plan or buying new equipment. A common household device near the router may interfere with Wi-Fi signals, especially those operating on the 2.4 GHz frequency. Devices such as smart speakers, televisions, microwaves, baby monitors, and other wireless electronics can disrupt the signal, as can physical obstacles like furniture or walls.
The recommended solution is to give the router more "breathing room" by positioning it in an open, central, and elevated spot in the home, avoiding enclosed spaces like cabinets or corners. While relocating the router can improve wireless reception and performance within the home, it will not increase the internet speed beyond what your service provider offers.
Before spending money on upgrades, users should conduct a speed test in areas with weak signal, move the router away from interfering devices and barriers, and then test again. Often, simply moving the router to a better location can enhance internet performance without additional cost.