Everyone loves a fast internet connection, but our homes can unwittingly work against us when it comes to Wi-Fi. In recent years, such groups as the IEEE Consumer Technology Society have found that many common household electronics emit electromagnetic frequencies that are similar to the internet bands. You might just find that by relocating some of these gadgets from the area where your access point is, you can suddenly enjoy faster connection speed and watch your favorite TV shows without any annoying or unexpected lag.
The Ubiquitous Kitchen Microwave Oven
Many microwaves are configured to the same frequency range as standard wireless internet routers, 2.4 gigahertz. The common frequency could result in considerable data packet loss whenever anyone reheats food.
Wireless Baby Monitors on Standby
Many digital baby monitors transmit live audio and video via radio signals. The Federal Communications Commission research indicates these waves can fudge your home Wi-Fi channels.
Smart Television Sets and Displays
Huge smart TVs have huge metal shields and built-in Wi-Fi antennas. If the TV’s chassis is placed too close, then the signal path of the router can be completely blocked or distorted.
Cordless Landline Telephone Bases
Although it is not as popular now, a lot of cordless phones in the household still work on DECT 6.0 or 2.4 GHz frequencies. The bases can produce continuous background noise, which can interfere with local data streams.
Wireless Game Console Controllers
Contemporary games require a significant speed of the wireless connection to reduce input lag. They may interfere with or slow down the performance of the local network if located next to a router.
The Role of Frequency Band Overlap
Routers in most homes divide their data service between the older 2.4 GHz networks and newer 5 GHz networks. The lower portion of the band is very vulnerable to interference from normal household electronic devices.
Metal Objects and Signal Reflection
Heavy metal-encased electronics can serve as a mirror of wireless signals. The internet waves may even be bounced back by the internet around the room.
Simple Strategies for Router Placement
Standing the internet router up on a wooden shelf or a central table usually provides a good range. Leaving it out in the open enables the signal to spread out throughout the house.
Managing Your Smart Home Ecosystem
The more automated plugs and smart bulbs that we add to our airwaves, the more crowded they get. This can help to keep your primary internet connection unaffected if these items are distributed properly around the home.
Testing Your Local Network Speed
Performing a digital speed test around your house from various locations can help identify dead zones. These findings from the diagnostics can be useful in determining what particular gadget may be causing the problem.
The Impact of Physical Distance
A mere 5 or 6 feet will make a world of difference if it’s a troublesome gadget that needs to be moved. The greater the separation between them, the less any overlapping radio frequencies will be intense.
